Our Ocean Day 1
The 10th Our Ocean Conference officially opened on April 28 at BEXCO, Busan, RO Korea. The High Seas Alliance welcomed delegates and participants at its booth with our Pacific High Seas Youth Ambassador Francine Valmaria Elisaia and EarthEcho International Youth Council Renz Nathaniel Luyao.
We also co-organized a side-event entitled “From Regional Capacity-Building to Global Ocean Leadership: The Pathway to 30×30” where we highlighted the efforts at different levels in which countries, research bodies, civil society organizations, and youth are working together to achieve the 30×30.
Dr. Se-Jong Ju, Principal Research Scientist of the Korean Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, highlighted in his presentation the importance of science-based High Seas Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), in which the Republic of Korea intends to play a role when the BBNJ Treaty enters into force. KIOST cited a few examples of biological and ecological importance of potential High Seas MPA sites like the Emperor Seamounts.
Nichola Clark, Senior Officer for Ocean Governance of the Pew Charitable Trusts, emphasized the crucial role of BBNJ Treaty in achieving the 30×30 targets, and while we wait for the Treaty to enter into force, it is important to consider what can be done to prepare for High Seas MPAs, including building strong institutions under the Treaty, stakeholder engagement, building the scientific case and tools that can address implementation needs.
Other speakers were Dr. Ana Spalding of Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Mr. Renz Nathaniel Luyao, Youth Leadership Council, EarthEcho International, Dr. Emanuel Goncalves of Oceano Azul Foundation and Mr. Salvador Vega of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile.
The session was moderated by Cynthia Barzuna, Director of Ocean Action 2030, World Resources Institute.
Our Ocean Day 2
The opening ceremony of the 10th Our Ocean Conference featured remarkable speeches from RO Korea Oceans and Fisheries Minister Kang Do-hyung and Former US Senator John Kerry who first launched the Our Ocean Conference. EarthEcho International Youth Council Renz Nathaniel Luyao also delivered a powerful speech about the need for youth to be co-creators of ocean movements. It was concluded with an impactful cultural performance from Haenyeo Choir, a group of female divers from Jeju Island who showcased their deep connection with the ocean through songs.
The High Seas Alliance co-hosted a side event with Pew, ANCORS and DSCC, entitled “The BBNJ Agreement and Regional Fisheries Management Organizations: Navigating Shared Waters and Responsibilities.”
It featured the proposed measures by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) of Maldives to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). Dr. Hussain Sinan of MFOR shared in a recorded video information about the new measures, which were recently accepted as non-binding by IOTC. According to IOTC Executive Secretary Paul de Bryn, the proposed measure was well-received and the goal after a year is to pass a resolution so that it will become binding. He also emphasized that the BBNJ Agreement can fill the governance gap in the Indian Ocean while RFMOs like IOTC can also contribute in building the institutions of the Agreement through participation in PrepCom meetings.
The second day was concluded with the high-level event entitled “From Busan to Nice: Accelerating Ambition in the Race for Ratification of the High Seas Treaty.”
Among the highlights were the pledge from EU worth €40 million to support ratification and early implementation and announced it will mass deposit ratifications from its member states at the end of May. DOALOS also confirmed a Special Treaty event for 9 June at UNOC3 where states can sign and deposit ratification in Nice during UNOC3. Costa Rica announced it had approved ratification nationally and would deposit its ratification in New York in the next fortnight. The Republic of Korea announced its support for advancing the work on High Seas MPAs.
Bloomberg also highlighted their support made at the CBD COP16, e.g., $10M to support BBNJ ratification and $51M to support BBNJ implementation (with focus on High Seas MPA sites).
The event was concluded with a chant from Indigenous leader Solomon Pili Kahoʻohalahala, a speech from Oceania-Pacific High Seas Youth Ambassador Francine Elisaia, and a closing remark from HSA Director Rebecca Hubbard.
The high-level event was co-sponsored by the Governments of Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, European Union, France, Republic of Korea, Maldives, Palau, Philippines, as well as the Natural Resources Defense Council, IUCN, RISE UP, CORI, Bloomberg Philanthropies Ocean Initiative.
Our Ocean’s last day
At the sidelines of the third day of the 10th OOC, HSA met with the Philippines delegation led by Environment Deputy Minister Jonas Leones to discuss the preparation for early implementation while waiting for the completion of the last step of ratification. This includes the support in forming an interagency working group and other capacity-building activities to sensitize other relevant ministries on the early operationalization of the BBNJ Treaty.
The closing ceremony witnessed the handover of the baton from RO Korea to Kenya who will host the 11th OOC in 2026. According to the OOC Secretariat, the 10th OOC has mobilized 277 new commitments from 60 countries and organizations, an estimated $9.1 billion of support, and was attended by 3,300+ in-person attendees in Busan.
The High Seas Alliance booth at the OOC provided a dynamic space for raising awareness and connecting people to the urgent need for the ratification of the High Seas Treaty. Over three days, the booth engaged a wide range of participants, offering opportunities to record video messages of support, contribute to our digital message map, and take photos with our Octavia art blanket – a popular photo opportunity.
Youth leaders, including Francine Elisaia, our Pacific High Seas Youth Ambassador, and Renz Nathaniel Luyao of the EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council, attended the conference and worked closely with the High Seas Alliance team, underscoring the importance of youth involvement in ocean advocacy. The booth’s interactive elements, including the Octavia tattoos, were a big hit, helping to further raise awareness and inspire action for the High Seas Treaty.
If you want to be part of the #RaceForRatification, take action! send a message to your world leaders here.