Brigitta Gunawan is an ocean-climate advocate who strives to connect communities through science, education, and storytelling. She is a National Geographic Young Explorer, Global Citizen Youth Leader Awardee, Ocean Awards Young Initiative Winner, and 30 Under 30 for Environmental Education.

At 17, she founded 30x30 Indonesia through the OceanEcho Fellowship, a creative campaign providing hands-on opportunities through bottom-up policy advocacy. She drives community engagement to prioritize MPAs and support the global goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, impacting +1,500 people in +90 locations leading up to its adoption at the G20 Bali Leaders Declaration and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15).

During her time at EarthEcho’s Youth Leadership Council, she has shared her story at the UN Ocean Conference, the Asia Parks Congress, and the Global Citizen NOW Summit where she spoke on a panel with UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, Peter Thomson. She also delivered a speech to +2800 people upon being introduced by the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson. Beyond this, she is a scientific diver keen to strengthen intersectional social impact for a more inspiring and engaging ocean through Diverseas, a 360° VR asset for immersive ocean literacy.

Campaign Impact

As a High Seas Youth Ambassador from Indonesia, Brigitta engaged with over 7,214 people to mobilize support for ratifying the BBNJ Agreement, with a reach of over 13,535 through social media. As part of her efforts, 6,000+ people took an action associated with this campaign by signing a petition that calls for Indonesia to ratify the BBNJ Agreement - over 4,800 signatures came in the first week! 1,133 people directly participated in her campaign efforts, which included the ‘Run for High Seas’ sports challenge, 6+ conference sessions and booth exhibits, and 1-hour workshops in 5 schools.

Brigitta - alongside 30x30 Indonesia (the community she founded and leads), Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative, EarthEcho International, and the High Seas Alliance - had the pleasure of co-organizing a hybrid event at the Ocean Justice House in Jakarta. The speakers comprehensively covered what the BBNJ means for this large maritime nation, the potential of ratification, and youth perspectives on large-scale ocean protection in the context of 30x30. We were joined by scientists, academics, government officials, non-governmental organizations, lawyers, youth, and more! Brigitta is eager to continue advocating for the high seas, and plans to keep sharing updates about Indonesia’s ratification process.

“Serving as a High Seas Youth Ambassador helped me elevate my understanding of global ocean governance, strategize effective campaign plans, and gave me a boost of support to communicate about the High Seas Treaty with confidence.”