The High Seas Treaty—formally known as the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)—has officially entered into force, marking the most significant global environmental agreement since the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Signed and ratified by 81 nations, including major players like France, Spain, China, Japan, Mexico, and Brazil, this treaty introduces legal frameworks to safeguard 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
This monumental step follows over two decades of relentless advocacy by scientists, activists, and Indigenous communities, who have long warned that unregulated exploitation of the high seas threatens marine biodiversity, climate stability, and food security. The treaty’s implementation triggers a four-year countdown, demanding urgent action to meet its ambitious conservation targets.
Yet, as global momentum builds, a critical question remains: Will nations act swiftly enough to turn this legal victory into tangible protection for our oceans?
In a groundbreaking global campaign, Greenpeace and its partners harnessed the visual power of street art to amplify the High Seas Treaty’s message. Artists, Indigenous leaders, activists, and local communities across 13 countries and five continents—representing every major ocean basin—created site-specific murals that blend artistic expression with environmental urgency.
These murals were not merely decorative; they served as powerful calls to action, blending symbolism, storytelling, and political messaging to engage diverse audiences. From the bustling streets of Dakar, Senegal to the coastal cityscapes of Brisbane, Australia, and the historic port of Port Louis, Mauritius, each artwork reflects the unique cultural and ecological narratives of its region while reinforcing a unified global demand for ocean protection.
Let’s explore how artists in different regions interpreted the High Seas Treaty’s mission through their work:
The launch of Greenpeace Africa’s office in Mauritius was celebrated with a striking mural by renowned Mauritian artist Daphne Doomun. Her artwork symbolizes the collective responsibility of communities, institutions, and individuals in safeguarding marine ecosystems. The mural’s design incorporates local flora and fauna, as well as motifs that evoke the island’s rich maritime heritage, emphasizing the urgent need for ocean protection.
Doomun’s piece serves as a visual manifesto, reinforcing Greenpeace Africa’s commitment to protecting at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. The artwork is a reminder that ocean conservation is not just an environmental issue but a moral and generational imperative.
In Dakar, Senegal, artist Ricardo Xavier Monteiro collaborated with local volunteers and community members to create a mural that speaks to the interconnectedness of life on Earth. The artwork features the phrase “One Ocean One Life” in both English and French, a slogan that transcends linguistic barriers to deliver a universal message of unity and environmental stewardship.
The mural’s design draws inspiration from West African coastal traditions, incorporating vibrant colors and patterns that reflect the region’s cultural identity. By integrating these elements, Monteiro’s work bridges traditional art forms with modern environmental activism, making the High Seas Treaty’s goals accessible to a broader audience.
In Brisbane, Australia, award-winning artist Gus Eagleton unveiled a large-scale mural to celebrate the treaty’s implementation. Eagleton’s artwork is a bold, dynamic composition that captures the fragility and resilience of marine ecosystems. The mural’s imagery—featuring waves, marine life, and celestial elements—evokes a sense of hope and urgency.
Eagleton’s piece is part of a broader campaign to engage Australian communities in ocean conservation. By making the treaty’s goals visually compelling, the mural encourages viewers to participate in local and global efforts to protect the high seas.
In the United Kingdom, Bristol-based artist Richt created a powerful mural titled A Message in a Bottle. The artwork depicts a bottle resting on the ocean floor, surrounded by marine life such as turtles, angelfish, and oysters. The oyster, in particular, symbolizes the hidden value and uncertainty of ocean ecosystems, reminding viewers that what lies beneath the surface is often overlooked yet critically important.
Richt described the message in a bottle as “an act of desperation and devotion”, a plea for help cast into the sea in the hope of finding a response before it is too late. The mural serves as a direct call to the UK government, urging it to urgently sign and ratify the High Seas Treaty. At the time of its unveiling, the UK was one of the few major nations that had not yet completed this process.
The High Seas Treaty is not just another environmental agreement—it is a historic turning point in the fight to preserve the world’s oceans. Here’s why its implementation is so critical:
The high seas—defined as ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction—cover nearly half of Earth’s surface and support an incredible diversity of life. From whales and sharks to microscopic plankton, these ecosystems are the foundation of marine biodiversity. Yet, they are under severe threat from:
Scientists warn that without immediate intervention, marine biodiversity could collapse within decades, with cascading effects on global food security and climate regulation.
The ocean plays a pivotal role in regulating Earth’s climate. It absorbs over 90% of the excess heat generated by human activities and stores 30% of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. However, these critical functions are being compromised by:
The High Seas Treaty provides the legal tools needed to protect these vital ecosystems, ensuring they can continue to mitigate climate change and support life on Earth.
For millions of people around the world, the ocean is a primary source of protein and livelihood. Small-scale fishing communities, particularly in developing nations, rely on healthy marine ecosystems for their survival. However, unsustainable fishing practices and pollution are threatening these resources, exacerbating food insecurity and economic instability.
The High Seas Treaty aims to address these challenges by establishing protected areas where marine life can thrive. By doing so, it ensures that future generations will have access to the nutritional and economic benefits of the ocean.
Street art has long been a medium for social and political expression, but its role in environmental activism is particularly potent. Here’s how murals and public art are driving the conversation around ocean conservation:
Unlike traditional advocacy methods, which often rely on technical jargon or policy briefs, street art communicates complex ideas in an accessible and emotionally resonant way. A mural can convey the urgency of ocean protection in a matter of seconds, reaching audiences who might otherwise overlook environmental issues.
For example, Richt’s Message in a Bottle mural in the UK uses a universally recognizable symbol—the bottle cast into the sea—to evoke a sense of urgency and desperation. This imagery transcends language barriers, making the treaty’s goals relatable to diverse audiences.
Many of the murals created as part of the High Seas Treaty campaign incorporate Indigenous knowledge and local traditions. In Senegal, Ricardo Xavier Monteiro’s work draws on West African coastal art, while in Mauritius, Daphne Doomun’s mural reflects the island’s maritime heritage.
By centering these cultural narratives, street art amplifies the voices of communities directly impacted by ocean degradation. It also fosters a sense of shared responsibility for protecting marine ecosystems, bridging gaps between global policies and local realities.
Street art is not just a tool for raising awareness—it is also a form of activism that challenges governments and corporations to take action. Murals like Richt’s Message in a Bottle serve as public calls to accountability, demanding that leaders fulfill their commitments under the High Seas Treaty.
In the digital age, these artworks often transcend physical boundaries. For instance, Richt’s mural in the UK was transformed into a digital postcard, allowing the public to send its message directly to the UK Foreign Secretary. This fusion of physical and digital activism maximizes the reach and impact of environmental campaigns.
While the High Seas Treaty’s implementation is a historic achievement, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Here’s what needs to happen next to ensure its success:
The treaty’s effectiveness hinges on timely ratification and implementation by signatory nations. As of its entry into force, 81 countries have ratified the treaty, but many others—including major economies like the United States, Russia, and India—have yet to complete the process.
Governments must urgently pass domestic legislation to enforce the treaty’s provisions. This includes establishing marine protected areas (MPAs), regulating deep-sea mining, and cracking down on illegal fishing. Delays in implementation risk undermining the treaty’s goals and delaying critical conservation efforts.
The high seas belong to no single nation, but their protection requires global cooperation. Developed and developing countries must work together to share resources, technology, and expertise. This includes:
Street art can play a role in fostering this collaboration by highlighting shared challenges and encouraging cross-border solidarity among activists and communities.
The success of the High Seas Treaty ultimately depends on public support. Individuals and communities must advocate for stronger environmental policies, reduce their plastic consumption, and support sustainable fishing practices.
Street art campaigns like the one led by Greenpeace inspire and empower people to take action. By making the treaty’s goals visible and relatable, these murals encourage viewers to participate in conservation efforts, whether through volunteering, donations, or advocacy.
The High Seas Treaty is a landmark achievement, but its success depends on collective action. Here’s how you can contribute to the global effort to protect our oceans:
The High Seas Treaty is a beacon of hope in the fight to protect our oceans, but it is only the beginning of a much longer journey. Street art, with its ability to inspire, engage, and challenge, has proven to be a powerful ally in this effort. From the murals of Mauritius, Senegal, and Australia to the digital activism sparked by Richt’s Message in a Bottle, artists and activists are using creativity to drive meaningful change.
As we stand on the precipice of a critical decade for environmental action, the High Seas Treaty reminds us that protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 is not just a goal—it is a necessity. The murals and campaigns born from this historic moment will continue to serve as visual reminders of our collective responsibility to safeguard the blue heart of our planet.
Will we heed the call? The ocean’s future—and our own—depends on it.
The High Seas Treaty is a landmark international agreement aimed at protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. It provides the legal frameworks needed to regulate activities like deep-sea mining, overfishing, and plastic pollution in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Its implementation is crucial for safeguarding marine biodiversity, stabilizing the climate, and ensuring food security for future generations.
Street art serves as a powerful tool for advocacy, making complex environmental issues accessible and emotionally resonant. Murals like those created for the High Seas Treaty campaign raise awareness, inspire action, and hold governments accountable. By blending cultural storytelling with political messaging, street art bridges gaps between global policies and local communities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for ocean protection.
There are many ways to support the High Seas Treaty and ocean conservation efforts:
Every action counts, and collective efforts are essential to ensuring the treaty’s success.</n
As of its entry into force, 81 countries have ratified the High Seas Treaty, including major economies like France, Spain, China, Japan, Mexico, and Brazil. However, some significant nations, such as the United States, Russia, and India, have yet to complete the ratification process. Urgent action is needed to ensure widespread adoption and implementation.
The treaty establishes marine protected areas (MPAs) where human activities like fishing, mining, and pollution are restricted. These protected areas allow marine ecosystems to recover and thrive, ensuring the survival of species like whales, sharks, and coral reefs. By safeguarding biodiversity, the treaty also supports climate regulation and food security, highlighting the interconnectedness of global ecosystems.
