Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The high seas cover nearly half our planet—but until now, protection has been fragmented. What happens next will shape the future of our ocean. From migratory species to deep ocean ecosystems, the high seas are essential to life on Earth. These vast waters lie beyond national borders, forming a shared global commons that connects ecosystems, economies, and communities around the world. Yet until recently, they have lacked the coordinated protection needed to safeguard their future. In this video, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) takes you inside the growing global effort to protect the high seas at scale—and why this moment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. What You’ll Discover What the “high seas” are and why they matter Why these waters have historically lacked protection How the High Seas Treaty is changing what’s possible The role of science, partnerships, and policy in scaling protection How TNC is working with governments, Indigenous Peoples, NGOs, and partners to turn global commitments into real-world impact Why The High Seas Matter Nearly two-thirds of the ocean, almost half of the Earth's surface, lies beyond national borders. These waters, known as the high seas, help support biodiversity, regulate the climate, and sustain life worldwide. These waters are home to extraordinary species and vital ecosystems, from open-ocean migration corridors to deep-sea habitats. But without strong governance, they have faced increasing pressure from overfishing, climate change, pollution, and emerging industrial activities. Now, with the entry into force of the High Seas Treaty, there is a new pathway to protect marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction and safeguard the ocean for future generations. A Global Effort Beyond Borders Protecting the high seas requires unprecedented collaboration. No single country can do it alone. That’s why TNC works alongside global partners—including governments, scientists, and civil society—to: Advance large-scale marine protected areas in international waters Support High Seas Treaty ratification and implementation Strengthen science-based decision making Build inclusive, equitable approaches to ocean governance Together, we are working toward a future where the ocean beyond borders is protected, resilient, and thriving. One Ocean, One Future This is a story about what’s possible when the world comes together to protect our shared ocean. The choices made today will determine the health of the ocean—and the planet—for generations to come. Learn more about TNC’s High Seas work: nature.org/highseas #HighSeas #OceanConservation #OneOcean
Keep up with The Nature Conservancy's latest efforts to protect nature and preserve life:
Facebook - nature.org/facebook
Instagram - nature.org/instagram
LinkedIn - nature.org/linkedin
Text NATURE to 97779 to join The Nature Conservancy on text.
To sign-up for nature e-news visit: preserve.nature.org/page/82226/data/1
The high seas cover nearly half our planet—but until now, protection has been fragmented. What happens next will shape the future of our ocean. From migratory species to deep ocean ecosystems, the high seas are essential to life on Earth. These vast waters lie beyond national borders, forming a shared global commons that connects ecosystems, economies, and communities around the world. Yet until recently, they have lacked the coordinated protection needed to safeguard their future. In this video, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) takes you inside the growing global effort to protect the high seas at scale—and why this moment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. What You’ll Discover What the “high seas” are and why they matter Why these waters have historically lacked protection How the High Seas Treaty is changing what’s possible The role of science, partnerships, and policy in scaling protection How TNC is working with governments, Indigenous Peoples, NGOs, and partners to turn global commitments into real-world impact Why The High Seas Matter Nearly two-thirds of the ocean, almost half of the Earth's surface, lies beyond national borders. These waters, known as the high seas, help support biodiversity, regulate the climate, and sustain life worldwide. These waters are home to extraordinary species and vital ecosystems, from open-ocean migration corridors to deep-sea habitats. But without strong governance, they have faced increasing pressure from overfishing, climate change, pollution, and emerging industrial activities. Now, with the entry into force of the High Seas Treaty, there is a new pathway to protect marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction and safeguard the ocean for future generations. A Global Effort Beyond Borders Protecting the high seas requires unprecedented collaboration. No single country can do it alone. That’s why TNC works alongside global partners—including governments, scientists, and civil society—to: Advance large-scale marine protected areas in international waters Support High Seas Treaty ratification and implementation Strengthen science-based decision making Build inclusive, equitable approaches to ocean governance Together, we are working toward a future where the ocean beyond borders is protected, resilient, and thriving. One Ocean, One Future This is a story about what’s possible when the world comes together to protect our shared ocean. The choices made today will determine the health of the ocean—and the planet—for generations to come. Learn more about TNC’s High Seas work: nature.org/highseas #HighSeas #OceanConservation #OneOcean
Keep up with The Nature Conservancy's latest efforts to protect nature and preserve life:
Facebook - nature.org/facebook
Instagram - nature.org/instagram
LinkedIn - nature.org/linkedin
Text NATURE to 97779 to join The Nature Conservancy on text.
To sign-up for nature e-news visit: preserve.nature.org/page/82226/data/1
