Preamble: As representatives of diverse faiths and spiritual traditions, we recognize the profound relationship between humanity and the ocean. With roughly 80% of the world's population practicing a faith or spiritual tradition, we are united in our commitment to protect and preserve the ocean, the original womb of all life.
Spiritual Perspective: As a source of physical, spiritual, and mental well-being, we recognize the sacred origins of all life in the ocean and honor our responsibility to care for it as the ocean cares for humanity and the entire web of life. We embrace the spiritual, mystical, and contemplative nature of the ocean. We see the need for repentance in the way humanity has abused the ocean and the need for transformation in our relationship with it.
We acknowledge the dynamic exchange of energy between humanity and the ocean, recognizing that the ocean absorbs and reciprocates the energy we generate. As faith communities, we commit to consciously generating and offering energy of love, respect, and gratitude for the ocean. Through our collective and individual spiritual practices, we seek to cultivate values of reverence, stewardship, humility, responsibility and interconnectedness, ensuring that our relationship with the ocean is one of harmony and care.
Grounded in direct relationships with impacted communities and ocean life, we embrace nonviolence and mutual healing in our interactions with the ocean. We respect all forms of life and reject the exploitation and commodification of the ocean and coastal life.
Issues of Concern: Acknowledging the ocean's connection with other critical concerns such biodiversity destruction, climate change, plastic pollution, land degradation and desertification, massive species endangerment and extinction, threatened mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass, we support a holistic, comprehensive, integrated, gender-responsive, and human rights- and ecosystem-based approach to ocean care. Of primary concern is the mounting threat of deep sea mining, industrial commercial fishing and the impacts they have on the delicate balance of life in the ocean and on land.
We value the traditional knowledge of Indigenous peoples, women and youth, and place the environment at the center of our efforts. We strive to foster a mutually sustainable and respectful relationship with the ocean through our spiritual practices, lifestyle choices, and policy advocacy commitments. We believe that the ocean itself is a source of wisdom from which humanity can learn.
We observe that small island nations are particularly vulnerable to these environmental and policy concerns. Therefore we stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers of these nations who, though least responsible for ocean degradation, are most at risk for the consequences. We see the need for special attention to the protection of human and nature rights of coastal communities.
Highlighting the commodification of the ocean and its consequences, we recognize how economic exploitation undermines the health of the ocean and erodes a values-based relationship with it. The unchecked extraction and commercialization of marine resources threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and diminish the ocean’s ability to sustain life. We must restore a relationship with the ocean that is guided by respect, responsibility, and sustainability.
Calls to Action:
Spiritual Practice: Encourage collective and individual meditation, prayer, and contemplation to generate the energy of love, respect, and gratitude for the ocean, fostering a deeper spiritual connection and sense of responsibility for its well-being.
Realignment: Realign our relationship with the ocean, recognizing humanity's deep dependence on it while acknowledging the harm we have caused and our responsibility to support its restoration and protection.
Education: Promote awareness building and education on ocean conservation including science-based research and traditional knowledge. For example, learning about the harmful impacts of deep sea mining and geo-engineering of the ocean. Emphasize the need for lifestyle changes that reduce harm to marine ecosystems, encouraging more sustainable living practices that align with the well-being of the ocean.
Community Engagement: Foster community engagement in ocean protection efforts and defend ocean advocates who are threatened for their calls to justice.
Policy Advocacy: Urge governments to adopt and introduce policies that protect the ocean such as the ratification of the BBNJ (Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, or High Seas Treaty).
Partnerships: Encourage partnerships between faith leaders, scientists, academics, and policymakers.
Integrated Approach: Advocate for a more holistic and integrated approach to environmental issues, aligning efforts across UNFCCC, CBD, Plastics, and land degradation and desertification initiatives.
Together, we commit to these principles and actions, guided by our faith and spiritual traditions, to ensure a healthy, sustainable, and thriving ocean in the web of life for future generations.