Global Ocean Treaty now in force, because of your

Greenpeace UK volunteers at the Kite Festival in Portsmouth © David Mirzoeff / Greenpeace

Thanks to people like you standing up and backing this work over many years, the Global Ocean Treaty is now in force. This means governments finally have the power to create ocean sanctuaries in international waters and protect parts of the ocean that were previously beyond reach.

This win belongs to the people who believed change was possible. Your support helped turn years of advocacy, pressure and hope into international law and lasting protection for our blue planet. It is a powerful reminder that when people come together around shared values, even the biggest global systems can change.

A historic moment

When the Global Ocean Treaty was agreed in 2023, it was celebrated around the world as a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Leaders called it a turning point for humanity and one of the most important international cooperation wins in decades.

But this moment did not happen overnight and it did not happen without people. Millions of supporters across the world kept ocean protection on the agenda, pushed governments to act and refused to give up. This Treaty is proof of what collective care and commitment can achieve.

Now, countries have the tools they need to protect the ocean beyond national borders, safeguard marine life and support coastal communities for generations to come.

A people-powered journey to protect the ocean

This Treaty is the result of decades of consistent, determined action. Supporters showed up year after year, signing petitions, donating, sharing stories and holding leaders to account.

From the first calls for ocean protection, through long global negotiations, to the final ratifications that brought the Treaty into force, progress was built step by step. This timeline reflects how sustained people power can push real change forward, every moment matters.

Where is Australia?

With the Treaty now in force, countries can begin creating ocean sanctuaries in international waters for the first time. These protected areas will allow marine life to recover and thrive, safeguard ecosystems and strengthen the ocean’s ability to regulate our climate.

Australia has committed to ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty and is expected to do so very soon. When that happens, Australia will join a growing group of countries turning this shared win into real protection on the water. Your support ensures we can push the Australian government to sign on and play a leadership role in protecting our shared ocean, including creating a first-generation sanctuary in the Tasman Sea.

A celebration for the ocean

To mark this moment, a mural was created as a tribute to the ocean and the people who helped protect it. The artwork reflects the beauty and resilience of marine life, as well as the collective action behind this win. It stands as a reminder that when people come together with care and determination, change is possible.

The first ever Oceans COP is coming

The first global Ocean COP (COP1), the Conference of the Parties, will take place later this year under the Global Ocean Treaty. This is where governments will agree on how ocean sanctuaries are created, managed and enforced.

Decisions made at COP1 will shape the future of ocean protection for decades. Continued people power will be essential to ensure this Treaty delivers real protection in the ocean, not just promises on paper. Your ongoing support helps keep ambition high and accountability strong.