ThinkOcean Society at LCOY ‘24: Empowering Youth for Ocean Conservation through High Seas Treaty Awareness

ThinkOcean and Sustainable Ocean Alliance at LCOY India 2024

ThinkOcean Society, under the leadership of its President and High Seas Youth Ambassador for Asia, Ajay Sawant, launched the High Seas Treaty Ratification and Awareness Campaign at the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) India 2024. This transformative initiative, held in Mysuru from August 14-18, 2024, is aimed at accelerating the ratification of the High Seas Treaty in India by fostering policy awareness among diplomats, politicians, influential leaders, and civilians.

With a focus on education and advocacy, the campaign seeks to engage diverse stakeholders in understanding the treaty’s importance for protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). While the inaugural session at LCOY India served as a launchpad, the campaign’s reach has since expanded through media features, publications, and the launch of an online petition, encouraging citizens to lend their voice to this critical cause.

What is the High Seas Treaty?
The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, is a historic international accord adopted in 2023 under the United Nations. Covering nearly two-thirds of the world’s ocean, the High Seas are vital for biodiversity, climate regulation, and sustaining marine ecosystems. Despite their ecological importance, these areas face increasing threats from overfishing, deep-sea mining, pollution, and the impacts of climate change.

The treaty establishes a legal framework to:

• Create marine protected areas (MPAs) to conserve critical ecosystems.

• Regulate resource extraction and prevent harmful practices like deep-sea mining.

• Ensure equitable sharing of marine genetic resources.

• Strengthen international collaboration for sustainable ocean governance.

“The High Seas Treaty is a lifeline for the planet. It represents a global commitment to safeguard our ocean’s biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for all,” said Ajay Sawant, President of ThinkOcean Society and High Seas Youth Ambassador for Asia, during his address at LCOY India. “As young leaders, we have a responsibility to amplify its significance and drive its ratification in our country.”

ThinkOcean’s President, Ajay Sawant, speaking about High Seas Treaty

Inaugural Session at LCOY India
The campaign officially began with a 1.5-hour interactive session led by Ajay Sawant and Ishwarya Kandasamy of SOA India on the second day of LCOY India. The session drew nearly 70 young participants, many of whom were already passionate about ocean conservation and climate action.

The session started with lively icebreaker activities, including group hand waves and the interactive “big fish, small fish” game. These activities energized the participants and set a collaborative tone. “The enthusiasm in the room was inspiring,” Ajay reflected. “It was clear that these young leaders were eager to contribute to a cause much larger than themselves.”

The presentation that followed introduced participants to the ecological and climate significance of the High Seas, the challenges they face, and the transformative potential of the High Seas Treaty. By explaining the treaty’s goals and frameworks, the session aimed to educate and empower attendees to take action in their communities.

Ajay Sawant and Ishwarya Kanasamy leading the solutions advocacy workshop

Youth-Driven Solutions
The session also featured a solution-mapping activity, encouraging participants to brainstorm creative responses to challenges such as overfishing, marine pollution, and climate change. Working in small groups, the participants demonstrated innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving, proposing ideas like:

• Leveraging technology for real-time monitoring of marine activities.

• Organizing community-driven education and cleanup campaigns.

• Building local advocacy networks to raise awareness about the treaty’s importance.

“The creativity and energy in the room were infectious,” said Ishwarya Kandasamy. “It was proof that young people have the vision and determination to address even the most complex global challenges.”

Participant signing the High Seas India Youth Petetion

High Seas Youth Pledge Board
The session concluded with the unveiling of the High Seas Treaty Youth Pledge Board, a platform for participants to make personal commitments to support the treaty and advocate for ocean conservation. Many attendees signed the board with heartfelt pledges, symbolising their dedication to protecting the ocean.

“This pledge board is a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we share,” Ajay noted. “It’s inspiring to see young people take a stand for the future of our ocean.”

Ongoing Efforts and Broader Impact
While the session at LCOY India marked the launch of the campaign, ThinkOcean Society’s efforts are far from over. The organization continues to expand its reach through strategic media engagements, thought-provoking publications, and an online petition encouraging public support for the treaty’s ratification. By engaging with policymakers, diplomats, and influential leaders, ThinkOcean Society is ensuring that the High Seas Treaty remains a priority on India’s policy agenda.

“The journey to ratification is a marathon, not a sprint,” Ajay emphasized. “Our work continues as we engage with stakeholders, raise awareness, and mobilise communities. Together, we can make the High Seas Treaty a reality in India.”

A Vision for the Future
The High Seas Treaty Awareness Campaign represents a pivotal moment in ThinkOcean Society’s mission to empower youth and protect the planet’s most vital ecosystems. By fostering education, advocacy, and collective action, the organisation is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future for the world’s ocean.

“The momentum we’ve built at LCOY India 2024 is just the beginning,” Ajay concluded. “The High Seas Treaty is more than an agreement; it’s a promise to preserve life on Earth. With the passion and energy of young leaders driving this movement, the future of our ocean is filled with hope.”