Faith in the Ocean: An International Multifaith Global Commitment to Ocean Protection

Nice, France — As representatives of diverse faiths and spiritual traditions, leaders and communities worldwide are uniting to endorse the Faith in the Ocean: A Multi-Faith International Declaration. This initiative, launched in conjunction with the United Nations Ocean Conference, seeks to reaffirm the sacred relationship between humanity and the ocean while addressing pressing environmental challenges that threaten marine life and coastal communities.  Faith in the Ocean Network will share the Declaration with world leaders at the conference including UNSG’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ambassador Peter Thomson. A special in-person event is scheduled for June 11, 15:00-17:00, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Nice, France.

With over 80% of the world's population practicing a faith or spiritual tradition, this declaration represents a unified commitment to safeguarding the ocean—the original womb of all life. Rooted in shared values of reverence, stewardship, and interconnectedness, faith communities vow to generate energy of love, respect, and gratitude for the ocean through spiritual practices, advocacy, and sustainable actions.

“The ocean does not simply sustain life, it is life itself,” said Blair Nelsen, Executive Director of Waterspirit and Co-Lead for the Faith in Ocean Network.  “This declaration is a moral and spiritual call to action, urging people of all faiths to acknowledge the harm humanity has caused and actively work toward its healing and protection.”

Key Issues & Call to Action
Recognizing that the health of the ocean is intricately linked to biodiversity loss, climate change, plastic pollution, and overexploitation, the declaration calls for a holistic, rights-based approach to ocean care.  Among its top priorities:

• Addressing Deep-Sea Mining & Industrial Fishing – Advocating against practices that disrupt marine ecosystems and harm coastal communities.
• Honoring Indigenous Knowledge & Women and Youth Leadership – Integrating traditional wisdom and intergenerational collaboration in conservation efforts.
• Defending Small Island Nations – Standing in solidarity with vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by ocean degradation.
• Promoting Spiritual Practices & Education – Encouraging meditation, prayer, and contemplative engagement that deepens humanity’s connection to the ocean.
• Policy Advocacy for the High Seas Treaty – Urging governments to ratify the BBNJ Agreement, ensuring sustainable marine biodiversity protection.

Faith leaders, scientists, and policymakers are called to collaborate in forging solutions that restore balance between humanity and the ocean. This declaration underscores the need to reject exploitation and cultivate a common-good, values-based relationship with marine life that prioritizes sustainability and rejects commodification.

Individuals and organizations worldwide are invited to endorse the Faith in the Ocean Declaration and take action in their local communities.

Contact: Blair Nelsen, bnelsen@waterspirit.org