TORC supports growing calls for a Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights (UDOR). A UDOR would go further in protecting our oceans than any existing measure, ensuring reliable long-term protection of oceanic ecosystems beyond national borders.
What is The Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights?
Here is a video by The Ocean Race, which explains the concept and historical, international campaign in 2023. Where countries, organisations, and professionals united in concern about the state of our oceans:
Our Written Parliamentary Question
Seeking an answer to the UK’s official stance on Ocean Rights our co-founder Michaela Girvan partnered with then MP and previously an MEP for Scotland, Alyn Smith (SNP) in 2023 to gain clarification on the government’s position:
“Alyn Smith MP (SNP) Q: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of negotiating a universal declaration of ocean rights.
Answer
David Rutley MP (Conservative) A: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides the overarching legal framework for the governance of the ocean. Numerous other agreements at a global and regional level add greater detail. These cover issues including shipping and safety, fishing, and environmental protection. The draft text of an international legally binding instrument under UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction – the BBNJ Agreement – was agreed at the UN in March. This is a landmark agreement for biodiversity and will mean much greater protection for over 60 per cent of the global ocean. It is unclear what added value a universal declaration of ocean rights would achieve.
Leaders around the World Call for Ocean Rights
Despite the UK Government being unwilling to give credence to the merits of a Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights, leaders around the world called for Ocean Rights, despite Britain being absent.
Here is another video compiled by The Ocean Race containing the positions of global leaders from around the world on giving a voice to our marine spaces.
Check back soon to learn more about our supporting campaign for a UDOR!
