The Hidden Natural Wonders of the World

A campaign advocating for the establishment of High Seas Marine Protected Areas under the new United Nations BBNJ Treaty
Summary
<em>Edit Conservation Project/Cause</em> The Hidden Natural Wonders of the World - A campaign advocating for the establishment of High Seas Marine Protected Areas under the new United Nations BBNJ Treaty | Mathias Horne
Purpose/Mission: 
There is an opportunity on the horizon for the human activities impacting the high seas to be managed, mitigated, and made positive. The United Nations is undergoing negotiations for a treaty for the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). This treaty represents a concerted effort by states, international institutions, and civil society actors to develop an international framework to manage and protect the high seas and their myriad of wonders. As the final round of negotiations approaches, it is crucial to build an ambitious treaty that protects the high seas for future generations. In partnership with the High Seas Alliance, this campaign merges art, policy work, and science to advocate for a robust treaty that establishes a human—nature relationship based on reciprocity and equity. One aspect of effective governance and conservation is the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs). The high seas are home to a plethora of ecosystems and species, connected by currents and epic migrations. One of our campaign objectives is for the BBNJ treaty to establish a connected network of MPAs protecting and celebrating the extraordinary regions spread throughout the world’s oceans. This campaign identified areas to be protected, each of which have an ambassador species to help champion regional conservation.
Monday, 30 August, 2021 to Saturday, 19 August, 2023

A campaign advocating for the establishment of High Seas Marine Protected Areas under the new United Nations BBNJ Treaty

I am thrilled to announce a new partnership with the High Seas Alliance on a campaign to advocate for marine conservation on the High Seas. The High Seas Alliance is working diligently to secure an ambitious, effective, and enduring United Nations Treaty for Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), which will provide a mechanism to protect important ecosystems throughout the High Seas and the species who rely on them. I am painting portraits of the ambassador species chosen to represent priority Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in an effort to shed light on the remarkable species and ecosystems that exist within the High Seas. The first priority MPAs are the Salas y Gomez and Nazca Ridges, with the Juan Fernández fur seal acting as the ambassador species, and the Costa Rica Thermal Dome, represented by the leatherback sea turtle.