The World Surf League has just announced the We Are One Ocean campaign calling for the protection of 30 percent of our one ocean by 2030 or 30×30.
They are encouraging people worldwide to join the global movement in support of 30×30 and sign the petition.
The campaign aims to build support to the 30×30 biodiversity targets designed to protect nature and life on earth, with a specific call to protect 30% of the global ocean.
Those who sign the petition will be part of a growing international community urging the world’s leaders to adopt 30×30 at the upcoming United Nations Convention where leaders will decide these targets.
The campaign is the latest initiative from the sports governing body. It is inspired by the WSL Pure‘s success building a growing coalition of more than 60 non-government organizations, and corporations supporting We Are One Ocean, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, Conservation International, Surfrider Foundation, Sea Legacy, Lonely Whale, PADI, and World Sailing.
“Establishing fully and highly protected areas is an incredible way to build resiliency in our ocean. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to protect critical ocean habitat and biodiversity for generations to come,” said Reece Pacheco, SVP Ocean Responsibility, WSL. “This isn’t just about the ocean. It’s about people. By protecting the ocean, and hitting 30×30, we guarantee a healthier future for all.”
Supporting the program, the WSL will also launch a series of content sharing the unique stories of six people’s connections to the ocean and their personal motivation for signing the petition.
The series features prominent surfers, scientists and environmentalists, including reigning WSL champion Italo Ferreira from Brazil.
“As a surfer, the ocean is my home and my place of work. It’s really important to me to do what I can to protect it,” said Ferreira. “I hope that by sharing my story and my love for the ocean it will inspire people to sign the petition.”
We’re also asking everyone to jump on and sign the petition, our city backs onto some of the best beaches and surf breaks on the globe, and we need to make a stand to protect our oceans now before it’s too late.
You can sign the We Are One Ocean Campaign petition at weareoneocean.org
Featured Image: Laura Enever at Outerknown Fiji Pro in 2017 by Ed Sloan @WSL
