International Marine Biodiversity

Waterspirit’s Executive Director spent the past two weeks attending important negotiations about marine biodiversity at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. These sessions were the third and final Preparatory Commission meetings for the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (also called the BBNJ, or High Seas Treaty). This was the member states’ final attempt to reach agreement about important mechanisms that will allow this treaty to successfully launch at the first COP for the ocean in January 2027. However, not as much progress was made as we had hoped for. Member states will still need to find common ground about financial rules, functioning of subsidiary bodies, and other critical operational issues at COP-1, rather than hitting the ground running with all procedures in place. We also have lingering questions about how the BBNJ will work in conjunction with other UN mechanisms such as the International Seabed Authority, which is currently negotiating a mining code that could allow deep sea mining in international waters to begin.

 

What are some of the things that the BBNJ will do?

-        Create and monitor Marine Protected Areas in international waters.

-        Connect countries with resources to protect marine biodiversity.

-        Incorporate Traditional Knowledge in marine biodiversity protection.

-        Use the precautionary principle and cumulative impacts as guiding analytical approaches.

 

Waterspirit will continue to stay connected with the BBNJ process and the first COP for the ocean, to be held at United Nations Headquarters from January 11-22, 2027. If you are a UN-NGO representative who would like to join this work, please consider connecting with the Faith in the Ocean coalition to prepare for this conference.

ONE LAST CHANCE: COALITION TO UNITE AGAINST NEW YORK FOSSIL FUEL PIPELINE THREATENING NEW JERSEY

A coalition of environmental, fishing, business, and community groups will gather to urge Governor Sherrill and the Tidelands Resource Council to deny the license and prevent construction of the pipeline. At this stage, a two-step process remains: first, the Tidelands Resource Council will approve or deny the application following a recommendation from the NJDEP; second, Governor Mikie Sherrill’s administration must concur with that decision – making this the final opportunity to stop the project before construction can begin. This is a rare opportunity for the Tidelands Resource Council and the public to protect their tidelands against a destructive New York project.

Waterspirit’s Joys of the Sea Gala Ignites Passion for Water Protection

Today, the salt air was filled with more than just mist as Waterspirit hosted its highly anticipated Joys of the Sea event. The gathering brought together environmental advocates, community leaders and ocean lovers to celebrate the majesty of our waterways and the urgent mission of water preservation.

The event also served as a clear reminder of the profound connection between humanity and the hydrosphere. Guests enjoyed an immersive experience featuring coastal-inspired art, water themed live music, auction items and inspiring words from the esteemed Spirit of Water Awardees.

Rising Tides, Rising Voices

Rising Tides, Rising Voices

We must ever be sharpening our tools of truth, protecting our common home.

Civic life is often mistaken for showing up to a meeting. In reality, the impact comes from organizing—gathering facts, aligning with neighbors, and speaking with clarity that cannot be ignored. When we spoke in opposition to Monmouth County’s support for the resolution to roll back the NJPACT REAL (Resilient Environments and Landscapes) rules, we were making use of the public comment opportunity by bringing reality to the table.