Sonia Violante Ptasznik, 21, is an environmental technician and a student of Biological Sciences at the State University of São Paulo in Brazil. Since commencing her studies, she has spearheaded projects dedicated to oceanic well-being, particularly focused on rallying the youth in this noble cause.

Noteworthy among Sonia's projects are the "Young Albatross Collective" and the "Mantas of Brazil Project," both geared towards encourage young individuals for the decade of the ocean. The "Tamar Projec"", with its central focus on environmental education and sea turtle conservation. Furthermore, Sonia has actively engaged in two virtual exchange programs: the Virtual Mobility Program: Youth Exchange São Paulo (Brazil) - Aichi (Japan) and the Czech-Brazilian Institute exchange. Through these endeavors, Sonia has authored articles elucidating the importance of youth involvement in the decade of the ocean and advocating for the utilization of sustainable resources as a viable energy source.

One of Sonia's paramount passions lies in the exploration of marine biology's intricacies and the dissemination of environmental awareness. With this ethos, one of her primary goals is to mobilize a vast audience on the significance of the seas through artistic expression, viewing it as a potent catalyst for societal change.

Campaign Impact

As a High Seas Youth Ambassador, Sonia has dedicated herself to various campaigns aimed at raising awareness among the Brazilian population about the importance of conserving and protecting the High Seas. One of her most significant initiatives involves the creation of a large-scale artistic mural designed to showcase the magnificence of marine biodiversity and highlight the vast richness of our oceans. This artwork emphasizes the urgent need to protect and advocate for the future of the High Seas.

The mural was created by the artist Huber Arte Marinha, recognized as one of the top ten marine artists in the world. It was displayed at the Santos Municipal Aquarium, located in one of Brazil’s most economically significant cities and home to the largest port in Latin America. The artwork holds considerable value, especially since the aquarium is the most visited public park in the State of São Paulo, attracting approximately one million visitors annually. Since its inauguration on September 11, the mural has already been viewed by over 100,000 visitors, marking it as a highly successful campaign that will continue to have an impact in the coming years.

Furthermore, Sonia delivered lectures on the topic of the High Seas across Brazil, including at universities, Amazonian communities, youth organizations, and schools. Additionally, Sonia collaborated with the Mantas do Brasil Project, producing numerous posts about the High Seas on the project’s Instagram page (@mantasdobrasil) to spread knowledge through social media. Within this context, Sonia and Mantas do Brasil organized a cultural and artistic contest inviting participants to create stickers illustrating manta rays and the High Seas, engaging both children and adults.

Sonia also represented EarthEcho International at the CBD COP16 and was a speaker at the side event, "Building Momentum for Youth Priorities Towards 30x30 and BBNJ Implementation: A Nature-Positive Path to UNOC3," held at the Nature Positive Pavilion. During COP16, Sonia had the opportunity to engage with various stakeholders in ocean conservation, including Brazil's Minister of the Environment, Marina Silva, who expressed the ministry’s intent to ratify the High Seas Treaty as soon as possible.

Finally, Sonia authored several blogs detailing her experiences as an ambassador, with notable contributions to the High Seas Alliance and RISE UP, as well as participation in various webinars. She also dedicated herself to creating a petition aimed at expediting the Brazilian government’s ratification of the BBNJ treaty while raising public awareness on the matter.

“Having the opportunity to represent Brazil as a High Seas Youth Ambassador was, without a doubt, the highlight of my year. It allowed me to engage in environmental activism and connect with incredible people I hope to keep in my life forever.  

As a Youth Ambassador, I learned to trust myself more, to fight for what I believe in, and to pursue my dreams - dreams that, thanks to EarthEcho International and the High Seas Alliance, became a reality!”