BACKGROUND

The High Seas Alliance is a coalition of over 70 NGOs formed in 2011 to champion conservation of the High Seas, the vast two-thirds of the ocean that lies beyond national jurisdiction. It plays a key role in shaping and supporting the legally binding High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) under UNCLOS, aiming to fill the governance gap for areas outside territorial waters.

The High Seas Alliance’s mission is to promote and support the conservation of the global ocean that lies beyond national jurisdiction and makes up half of our planet. High Seas Alliance members work together to inspire, inform and engage the public, decision-makers, and experts to support and strengthen High Seas governance and effective protection of biodiversity.

Being part of the High Seas Alliance means joining a global community of experts, advocates, and organizations united by a common purpose. As members, we carry forward the baton for the High Seas, combining our knowledge, networks, and passion to push for ambitious protection measures, shape policy, and raise public awareness. Together, we co-create, share resources, and speak as a collective voice to ensure the High Seas remain healthy, thriving, and protected for generations to come.

As a High Seas Alliance member, you have access to shared messaging, campaign toolkits, policy briefings, explainer videos, and direct support from our team: all designed to help you advocate powerfully for the High Seas within your networks, media outreach, and policy engagement.

In return, we encourage and expect you to play an active part in our Alliance: joining monthly calls, helping to amplify our collective voice, and contributing your expertise to ensure all member perspectives are reflected in our strategies and messaging. By working together in this way, we turn shared commitment into real impact for the High Seas.

• Amplify toolkits and resources: Share communications assets, social graphics, and factsheets with your audiences.

• Join and contribute to member calls: Monthly calls keep our work coordinated and responsive. Your participation helps shape collective decisions and strategy.

• Join various working groups (regional e.g. Africa/Asia; thematic e.g. Institutional, ABMT) depending on the scope of your work and interest.

• Support campaigns and events: Engage around Treaty milestones, UN meetings, and other key moments. Engage in the #RaceForRatification campaign and digital messaging action to support Treaty ratification.

• Share expertise: Bring regional, thematic, or technical perspectives to strengthen messaging and make sure every member’s voice is part of the conversation.

• Help translate communications materials to reach wider audiences. 

• Let your audiences know you’re part of the global movement to protect the High Seas. As a member, we encourage you to:

  • Add the High Seas Alliance logo to your website, reports, or newsletters, including a short description highlighting your membership: “[Your organisation name] is a proud member of the High Seas Alliance, a coalition of over 70 organisations dedicated to protecting the High Seas through stronger international governance. Together, we work to secure the swift ratification and effective implementation of the UN High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement)."

  • A social media tile to announce your membership is available here. 

High Seas Alliance Friends are groups such as institutes, private sector organizations and coalitions who we work alongside, but aren’t formal members or funders. These vital allies contribute to our success through a variety of valuable collaborations, from amplifying our message to partnering on individual projects, or contributing their expertise to our campaigns. Their actions strengthen our collective voice and expand our reach, helping us protect the High Seas for future generations.

• Amplify toolkits and resources: Share communications assets, social graphics, and factsheets with your audiences.

• Join and contribute to member calls: Monthly calls keep our work coordinated and responsive. Your participation helps shape collective decisions and strategy.

• Join various working groups (regional e.g. Africa/Asia; thematic e.g. Institutional, ABMT) depending on the scope of your work and interest.

• Support campaigns and events: Engage around Treaty milestones, UN meetings, and other key moments. Engage in the #RaceForRatification campaign and digital messaging action to support Treaty ratification.

• Share expertise: Bring regional, thematic, or technical perspectives to strengthen messaging and make sure every member’s voice is part of the conversation.

• Help translate communications materials to reach wider audiences. 

• Let your audiences know you’re part of the global movement to protect the High Seas. A social media tile to announce your partnership will be available soon.