By Ajay Sawant
My journey into ocean activism began at an early age on the shores of Worli Beach in Mumbai. As a child, I would spend hours combing the sand for discarded plastic, which I later used to create colorful fish mosaics. It was my way of turning waste into something beautiful. As I grew older, my passion for the ocean only intensified. I learned to snorkel and, as I swam deeper into the water, I became increasingly fascinated with vibrant coral reefs. Each dive revealed more of the ocean’s wonders and its fragility. And what started as a childhood art project evolved into an unending commitment to protecting the very waters I loved exploring.
Our ocean is facing extraordinary challenges, driven by human impact and the shifting environment. As a young conservationist, I have seen the heartbreaking damage done to marine ecosystems, but I have also witnessed something equally powerful—the ocean’s potential to heal and become part of the solution, especially in the fight against climate change. What excites me most is that today’s youth, my generation, are not just sitting back to inherit these problems. We are stepping up, with new ideas and bold innovations and a fierce sense of urgency to act. We are bringing a new wave of energy to the global mission of protecting our ocean because we know the future of the planet depends on it.
From August 14-18, 2024, I had the privilege of partnering with the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) India in Mysuru as the Youth Ambassador for High Seas. Supported by UNICEF-YuWaah, this four-day conference brought together over 250 young leaders from across India, united in their commitment to climate action. My organization, ThinkOcean Society, collaborated with the Sustainable Ocean Alliance to launch a campaign centered on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty.
Upon arriving in Mysuru, the city’s blend of tradition and modernity set the perfect tone for the conference. The energy was palpable, and I felt excited to see what these few days would bring.
Our session was scheduled for the second day of the event, and as we entered the room, I was met with eager faces—nearly 70 young participants, ready to engage in ocean conservation. To set a positive tone, we kicked off with a few interactive games. We played lively icebreakers, like creating hand waves and “big fish, small fish,” which turned the room into a sea of laughter and teamwork, the key elements in addressing global issues like ocean protection.
With the room energized, we moved into the heart of the session. The High Seas, the vast areas of our ocean beyond national jurisdiction, are vital for the health of the planet, yet it has the least legal protection at present. Together with my colleague from Sustainable Ocean Alliance India, Ishwarya Kandasamy, we gave a detailed presentation on the BBNJ framework for conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in the High Seas. From explaining territorial waters and the significance of the High Seas to outlining the threats it faces and how the High Seas Treaty can help safeguard it, we aimed to inform and inspire young leaders to advocate for this critical cause.
Following the presentation, we launched into a solution-mapping activity. Delegates were divided into small groups and presented with various challenges related to the High Seas, each requiring creative, collaborative solutions. The room buzzed with energy as these young leaders dove into spirited discussions, brainstorming ways to tackle the issues. This exercise emphasized the importance of collective action in solving global problems and encouraged critical thinking.
As each group presented their solutions, it was clear that the session had not only informed but empowered them to think proactively about ocean conservation and the High Seas. The day ended on a high note with a group photograph, capturing the spirit of unity and determination that defined the session. The smiles and enthusiasm in those photos were testament to the success of our session and the shared commitment to protecting our ocean.
The session culminated with the presentation of the High Seas Treaty Youth Pledge Board, where participants signed and made personal commitments to support the Treaty and protect the ocean. It was inspiring to see so many young people stepping up, ready to make a difference.
By the end of the session, the atmosphere had shifted from excitement to a shared sense of responsibility. Several delegates approached us with questions, feedback on how youth campaigns could be built around the Treaty, and reflections on the ocean’s potential. We had planted the seeds of awareness and activism, and now it was up to these young leaders to carry the message forward to their communities.
As I left the conference, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. We had successfully launched our campaign, and the young people of India were ready to take on the challenge. The High Seas Treaty represents more than just an agreement, it is a commitment to the future of our planet. With the momentum from LCOY India 2024, the future of the High Seas looks a little brighter.
The journey ahead is long, but with the passion and energy of the youth driving this movement, the future of our ocean is filled with hope.
Ajay Sawant is a 2024 Youth Ambassador for the High Seas. He is the founder of Generation Artivism and President at ThinkOcean Society. An award-winning ocean-climate communicator and an EE 30 under 30, he is passionate about ocean conservation through direct intervention, literacy efforts and artivism.