On January17, 2026, the BBNJ Agreement, also known as the UN High Seas Treaty, officially entered into force. This landmark agreement provides a long-awaited framework to protect marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction — covering two-thirds of the ocean and nearly half of the Earth’s surface.
As part of Peace Boat’s education and advocacy for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we place great importance on SDG 14: Life Below Water. While sailing through international waters, we were honored to mark this historic milestone for ocean conservation from the very waters the treaty aims to protect.
To celebrate, passengers gathered onboard wearing blue, joined by an inspiring lecture and discussion led by Stefanie Torres, a marine biologist and ocean educator, President of SOA Perú, and a Youth for the SDGs Scholar (Patagonia Voyage 2024). Stefanie works with young leaders and coastal communities to protect the ocean, with a focus on marine protected areas and ocean advocacy, and has represented youth at major UN and international ocean forums.
The event concluded with a commemorative photo action on the top deck, capturing a shared moment of hope and commitment to our blue planet.
Witnessing the High Seas Treaty enter into force while navigating the high seas ourselves was a powerful reminder of the importance of global cooperation to protect our ocean — now and for future generations.