Protecting the Oceans 30x30 - Securing ocean sanctuaries and exposing destruction on the high seas

Greenpeace

Using our ships, campaigners, lobbyists, scientists, activists and more, we are working around the globe to help create a network of ocean sanctuaries protecting at least 30% of our oceans by 2030 (30x30). Free from overfishing, oil and gas drilling, deep-sea mining, dumping at sea and more, our vision is of ocean sanctuaries that enable healthy and resilient oceans, that can help combat climate change by locking away carbon, and provide food and livelihoods to more than three billion people.

To achieve 30x30 and implement new sanctuaries, we need 60 governments to ratify the newly adopted Global Ocean Treaty.  The treaty we campaigned for years to secure at the UN in March 2023.

We also need nations to pull together proposals for new high seas sanctuaries, in time for the first Conference of Parties of the new Treaty in 2025. At the same time, Greenpeace must use our unique campaigning skills to try and stop the Deep Sea Mining (DSM) Industry from establishing.

Political advocacy and public campaigning - our approach to winning the Global Ocean Treaty was successful: in building popular support through a range of communications and public engagement tactics, targeted political pressure and framing the media narrative, we worked in collaboration with many others to deliver this critical milestone in ocean protection. We will continue with this approach - targeting key nations and leaders as we maintain the pressure to ratify and implement the treaty, and block the DSM industry.

Science and investigations - we are scoping investigations into a range of strategic themes including: high seas fishing supply chains, the economic and ecological benefits of high seas protection for coastal communities, marine heatwaves, a second iteration of the links between the climate and ocean crises, and how 30x30 at sea could support global food security. Backed by expert global campaign, communications and media teams, we will work with our own science unit and independent scientists to ensure our expedition findings land with decisionmakers, and support policy development and implementation at a regional and national level.

Ship expeditions to confront and document - we want to deliver an ambitious programme of ship expeditions, building on our experience sailing and campaigning from Pole to Pole. We will confront and expose those destroying marine ecosystems, and document and showcase key biodiversity and climate hotspots on the high seas. Over the coming few years we will sail through all the major oceans, to visit a number of specific priority sites for the first high seas ocean sanctuaries, using cutting-edge science and hard-hitting investigations to show the world exactly how they’re under threat, and why they urgently need protecting.

Stopping Deep Sea Mining - as well as delivering ocean sanctuaries, the momentum we build will also enable us to confront other destructive industries, including deep sea mining. This nascent industry will create absolute havoc for marine ecosystems and the climate, drilling the seafloor thousands of kilometres below the surface. We must expose and confront those seeking profit over our planet and ensure that this industry is stopped before it really gets going.

If you would like more information about Greenpeace campaigns, please visit Greenpeace. To learn more about how to support our charitable work, please visit Greenpeace Environmental Trust.