Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative

🔹️Dr. Sylvia Earle honoured the late Dame Jane Goodall with her timeless messages of hope: "Knowing is the key to caring.” and “Nature is resilient but not infinitely so.” 💙

We look forward to connecting with everyone working to ensure a healthy ocean for future generations.

🔹️ IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar inspired the audience with a message of perseverance: “We do not give up, because we trust in science and traditional wisdom.

🔹️ The President of Panama echoed the call against deep-sea mining and urged nations not to hide behind international treaties to avoid national responsibilities.

🔹️ IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak reminded us that “the wellbeing of people and the wellbeing of nature are inseparable.” Despite unprecedented understanding of our dependence on nature, humanity continues to act as if we are apart from it.

🔹️President of Palau called for countries to support the BBNJ Agreement and reiterated the nation’s support for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, warning that its consequences are ones “we cannot afford.” The message was clear: “Let data and science determine our path forward.”

🌊 It’s been an inspiring first day here in Abu Dhabi as DOSI joins global leaders, scientists, and advocates at the IUCN World Conservation Congress. Our booth is open come visit us to talk all things deep ocean, science, and sustainability!

🔑 messages from Day 1 🧵👇

Members of DOSI’s Task Force for the Conservation of Deep-Ocean Biodiversity engage with IPBES to ensure that the deep ocean is considered in discussions.

Listen to Episode 2 of #ThinkDeep! where Anna Metaxas discusses the importance of the IPBES buff.ly/NyQMyIY

Please join us in welcoming the new Executive Secretary of #IPBES, who steps into the role with deep gratitude to Dr. Anne Larigauderie for her exceptional leadership and to Neville Ash for his stewardship as Officer in Charge. 👏

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Dame Jane Goodall

💚 We join the global community in mourning the passing of Dame Jane Goodall, an extraordinary scientist and conservationist whose work transformed our understanding of the natural world. Our Executive Director, Maria Baker was fortunate to meet Jane a few years ago, a moment that remains cherished.

High Seas, High Stakes: What’s the BBNJ Agreement? The landmark BBNJ Agreement, adopted in June 2023, provides an opportunity to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. The BBNJ Agreement is…

🌊 Have you heard the news that the BBNJ Agreement entering into force in January 2026?

▶️ In case you're wondering what this means for the #DeepSea watch our video on the #BBNJ Agreement buff.ly/BXEYZd9

💡 Learn more about the work of DOSI and the BBNJ here: buff.ly/VDjrs6u

🌊 Big news for the ocean 🌊
The #BBNJ Agreement has reached 60 ratifications triggering entry into force in Jan 2026! A huge milestone, but more work lies ahead, building institutions, rules & financing to protect biodiversity.
Learn more about the work of DOSI and the BBNJ: buff.ly/VDjrs6u

Amelia Westmoreland representing DOSI at #BBNJ PrepCom II #deepsea

🌊 This week in New York, DOSI’s delegation is participating in the BBNJ Preparatory Commission as the world moves closer to entry into force of the new high seas agreement.

Amelia Westmoreland, shares the key topics on the agenda for #BBNJ #PrepCom2

▶️ buff.ly/ZnIHeo1

If you are attending #BBNJ #PrepCom2, please join this side event on cooperation with RFMOs today!

Or watch here on the UN Web TV: buff.ly/pdTJKma

Learn more about the importance of cooperation in the BBNJ discussions from our DOSI delegation member, Ina Tessnow-von Wysocki: buff.ly/KD76g7Z

If you are in New York, please join the side event on cooperation with RFMOs today!

Or watch here on the UN Web TV: buff.ly/pdTJKma

Ina Tessnow-von Wysocki representing DOSI at #BBNJ PrepCom II #deepsea

DOSI member, Ina Tessnow-von Wysocki, part of our delegation at #BBNJ PrepCom 2 in New York explains the importance of coordination and cooperation in the discussions this week.

buff.ly/KD76g7Z

Stay tuned for more updates from the DOSI delegation!

We engage with decision-makers and stakeholders to promote ambitious commitments on marine biodiversity conservation beyond national jurisdiction.

Stay connected with DOSI for real-time updates and insights as PrepCom II unfolds this August.

#MarineBiodiversity #OceanPolicy

How does DOSI engage at PrepCom?

Our expert members actively engage with and track developments in BBNJ negotiations, providing analysis and advocating for strong, transparent governance mechanisms for science-policy and data sharing.

📸 #DOSI members Amelia and Christine at PrepCom II

The DOSI #MarineGeneticResources (MGR) Working Group, an expert network, provides independent insights to promote best practices for #MGR and aid stakeholders in navigating the #BBNJ Agreement.

Discover more in this video: buff.ly/SYEh3e9

How can scientists engage with the #BBNJ Agreement?

Scientists are at the heart of the BBNJ process, bridging policy, industry, and conservation. Learn more in DOSI’s new info sheet: buff.ly/IOZNZGM

#OceanScience #BBNJ #MarineBiodiversity #ScienceInPolicy #DOSI

Both the STB and the Clearing-House Mechanism are cornerstones for how science and knowledge will be mobilised under the #BBNJ Agreement. To be effective, they must serve global decision-making needs and reflect the realities of #DeepOcean research.
#BBNJPrepCom

In particular, the DOSI team are closely following discussions on:
🔹 The composition, design, and rules of procedure for the Scientific and Technical Body (STB)
🔹 The design and implementation of the Clearing-House Mechanism

#BBNJPrepCom #BBNJ

🌊 DOSI at the #BBNJPrepCom 🌊

The DOSI Ambassadors – experts from across North, Central, and South America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania – are here at the second #BBNJ Preparatory Commission (PrepCom2) to help connect science and policy for the deep ocean.

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) The Issue: For the 61% of the ocean that lies in areas beyond national jurisdiction, a new international agreement for the conservation and…

DOSI supports the #BBNJ process to ensure these ecosystems are conserved and used sustainably, safeguarding ocean health for people, economies, and nature alike.

Learn more here: buff.ly/ocoy0m1

It covers:
🔹 Marine Genetic Resources & Benefit Sharing
🔹 Area-Based Management Tools (incl. MPAs)
🔹 Environmental Impact Assessments
🔹 Capacity-Building & Technology Transfer

This gap left biodiversity beyond borders vulnerable. The BBNJ Agreement changes that. The goal is to ensure the conservation & sustainable use of biodiversity in the High Seas. The BBNJ Agreement is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect ocean life beyond borders.

The High Seas waters cover almost 2/3 of our planet and host extraordinary marine biodiversity. But without strong governance, they remain vulnerable to overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Until #BBNJ there has been almost no way to, cooperate on protecting the High Seas.

What is the #BBNJ and why does it matter?
The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement is a landmark global treaty to protect life in the High Seas, the vast ocean areas beyond any one country’s borders. 🧵👇

Preparatory Commission is where countries come together to decide how the #BBNJ Agreement will work in practice. PrepCom II is underway in New York until 29 August. Our BBNJ and #MGR Working Groups are there to ensure these negotiations are informed by #DeepSea science.

Members from the DOSI #BBNJ and #MGR Working Groups are currently in NY participating with #BBNJPrepComII to support with the integration of #DeepOcean science, ensuring decisions are guided by the best knowledge available.

We wish everyone the best for the discussions ahead!