Late last night, after two weeks of intense negotiations, delegates meeting at the United Nations finally agreed to language for a High Seas Treaty. This is a major milestone in a nearly two-decade effort to secure a treaty to govern and protect the High Seas, which make up 70% of the ocean and cover nearly half the planet. More than 160,000 supporters spoke up and urged leaders to act. This public support, along with the great work of partners like RISE UP, the High Seas Alliance, Greenpeace, and more, helped show decision-makers that people all over the world were watching and wanted action — and they delivered. There is still more work to do, as nations will now need to formally adopt the language and ratify the treaty at the country level. We will continue to keep you updated on campaign developments and the critical moments where we need your support.
Positive news
Back in 2018, more than 50,000 metric tons of sewage-smelling sargassum seaweed overran the coast of Mexico, reportedly stemming from high levels of nitrogen in the sea — the result of agricultural runoff and deforestation. Instead of focusing only on a shoreline in crisis, local gardener Omar de Jesús Vazquez Sánchez saw the opportunity for an innovative solution, grinding fine, dried sargassum into resilient construction bricks, or “sargablocks”. Since 2014, over 40 homes have been built with these bricks! 🧱 | Source: Insider Business
