When the Ocean Speaks, We Must Listen

The ocean called and told me to pass along an important message…

She said, “My health depends on the leadership of your generation – rising above complacency and pushing for tangible ocean protection. Commitments towards improved blue finance, ocean science, Indigenous co-governance and Marine Protected Area expansion are not enough as they stand. I do not have time to wait for those currently in power to make bold decisions for our collective wellbeing on island earth. Implementation is everything and time is running short. We need to mobilize trillions for a regenerative blue economy. Can I count on you?”

I replied, “Young ocean leaders are doing everything we can to protect you. We are mobilizing millions of people across hundreds of countries to #DefendTheDeep, build funds for ocean impact, educate the public, and turn political statements into policy outcomes.

Despite the odds stacked against us, we are winning in so many ways. 37 countries say NO to Deep Sea Mining, 50 countries signed the High Seas Treaty which will setup the policy framework to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (over 43% of the earth’s surface), over $3 Trillion was committed towards ocean priorities through the #BackBlue Ocean Finance Commitment, 140+ marine universities agreed to advance ocean literacy, and political declarations are (slowly) being converted into reality.

Is that going to be enough to restore your health?”

With cautious optimism, she proclaimed, “It is a valiant effort, yet not nearly enough to reverse my current state of deteriorating health. While the UN Oceans Conference in Nice, France, made significant progress towards realizing the goal of SDG 14 – Life Below Water – I still need more genuine support from all sectors, industries, and communities. There are over 8 billion people on this planet and only a handful are ocean advocates. This cannot be the case if you want me to be at my full health and continue keeping you alive. If governments continue to solely provide lip service without real policy enactment, subsidize fossil fuels, illegal fishing, and extractive industries I will be facing a difficult dilemma.”

“What’s the dilemma”, I asked with insatiable curiosity.

“Well, I will have to wash humanity off the planet with a wave of such strength that only the most powerful souls remain standing. The people who have safeguarded me will remain safe, while failed leaders, petrochemical CEOs, and blue washers might not ;),” she said with a cheeky grin. Then she hung up.

With my jaw dropped, I stood in disbelief. First of all, the ocean just called me of all people and dropped a massive reality check after a major global conference. Secondly, despite the polices, movements, and manifestos that were launched + advanced at UNOC3, it was still just a drop in the bucket for co-creating a thriving ocean economy. And most importantly, I knew the mission ahead was more important and clearer than ever before.

Without waiting for experts, elders, politicians, or self-proclaimed oceanic leaders to act, GenZ needs to solve problems rapidly. Here’s how I plan to do that throughout my life and career, with the support of a rising ocean generation:

1. Building huge funds for Indigenous Peoples and Coastal Communities that regenerate natural capital and restore cultural heritage in a world suffering from so much loss. Rebuilding ocean health and human health is imperative to ensuring a thriving future for humanity and that takes a lot of money. In the T for Trillions of $$$ are needed to reach the goals set out by SDG14 and advance this UNOC.

2. Stopping at nothing to protect the common heritage site of human kind from Deep Sea Mining. With the fate of mother ocean at stake, protecting ancient abyssal ecosystems is imperative for humanity’s survival. This means collaborating with ocean-climate organizations that are impact first, such as the Ocean (Goals) House that are dedicated to STOP deep sea mining before the industry begins.

3. Being unapologetically me. Staying bold, honoring my ancestry, and taking big risks for the benefit of all ocean rightsholders. Channeling the voice of the ocean even when it’s being drowned out from noise pollution and underwater extraction. Building strong bridges for Intergenerational power re-distribution.

Mother Ocean and I need you to be an ocean champion. Here’s how you can take action #fortheoceans:

• Be one of the first partners in the Intergenerational Bio-cultures Fund by reaching out directly on Instagram or LinkedIn. If you can, invest directly in Indigenous & BIPOC-led ocean NGOs, IGOs and businesses for a better blue economy.
• Join the swiftly growing movement to STOP Deep Sea Mining here: https://deep-sea-conservation.org/solutions/no-deep-sea-mining/momentum-for-a-moratorium/
• Bring the ocean into every decision-making room you are in always and no matter what. The ocean is our biggest ally in the fight against climate change and we need her to thrive for humanity to thrive!

Author: Bodhi Patil, UN-recognized, award-winning GenZ ocean-climate “Solutionist” and student-leader

Follow Bodhi on Instagram here and Linkedin here.

Learn more at https://www.bodhipatil.com/ and connect directly at bodhi@parley.tv