FAQs
About the Campaign
Q: What is the UNOC3 Multi-Faith Declaration?
The Declaration is a unified statement from diverse faith communities affirming ocean protection as a spiritual imperative. It outlines specific policy recommendations including protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, establishing a moratorium on deep-sea mining, and centering human rights in all conservation efforts.
Q: Who funds this campaign?
Faiths for UNOC3 is supported by Bloomberg Ocean Initiative and Oceans5. The campaign operates independently with guidance from a multi-faith coalition.
Q: Who can participate in ocean conservation advocacy?
Any faith-based organization, religious institution, interfaith network, or faith-inspired group can participate.
This includes congregations, religious schools, faith-based NGOs, monastic communities, and denominational bodies from all spiritual traditions.
Q: We're based far from the ocean. Why should we get involved?
The ocean affects everyone, regardless of location. It produces over half our oxygen, regulates climate globally, and influences weather patterns that affect inland agriculture and water systems. Additionally, many faith traditions teach that we're interconnected—what happens to the ocean impacts all creation. Your voice matters in this global conversation.
About the Declaration
Q: What is the UNOC3 Multi-Faith Declaration?
The Declaration is a unified statement from diverse faith communities affirming ocean protection as a spiritual imperative. It outlines specific policy recommendations including protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, establishing a moratorium on deep-sea mining, and centering human rights in all conservation efforts.
Q: Who funds this campaign?
Faiths for UNOC3 is supported by Bloomberg Ocean Initiative and Oceans5. The campaign operates independently with guidance from a multi-faith coalition.
Q: Who can participate in ocean conservation advocacy?
Any faith-based organization, religious institution, interfaith network, or faith-inspired group can participate.
This includes congregations, religious schools, faith-based NGOs, monastic communities, and denominational bodies from all spiritual traditions.
Q: We're based far from the ocean. Why should we get involved?
The ocean affects everyone, regardless of location. It produces over half our oxygen, regulates climate globally, and influences weather patterns that affect inland agriculture and water systems. Additionally, many faith traditions teach that we're interconnected—what happens to the ocean impacts all creation. Your voice matters in this global conversation.
Practical Participation
Q: What is the UNOC3 Multi-Faith Declaration?
The Declaration is a unified statement from diverse faith communities affirming ocean protection as a spiritual imperative. It outlines specific policy recommendations including protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, establishing a moratorium on deep-sea mining, and centering human rights in all conservation efforts.
Q: Who funds this campaign?
Faiths for UNOC3 is supported by Bloomberg Ocean Initiative and Oceans5. The campaign operates independently with guidance from a multi-faith coalition.
Q: Who can participate in ocean conservation advocacy?
Any faith-based organization, religious institution, interfaith network, or faith-inspired group can participate.
This includes congregations, religious schools, faith-based NGOs, monastic communities, and denominational bodies from all spiritual traditions.
Q: We're based far from the ocean. Why should we get involved?
The ocean affects everyone, regardless of location. It produces over half our oxygen, regulates climate globally, and influences weather patterns that affect inland agriculture and water systems. Additionally, many faith traditions teach that we're interconnected—what happens to the ocean impacts all creation. Your voice matters in this global conversation.
Technical & Policy Participation
Q: What does "30x30" mean?
30x30 refers to the global target of protecting at least 30% of the world's ocean by 2030 through marine protected areas and other effective conservation measures. This target was adopted under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022.
Q: What is the High Seas Treaty?
The High Seas Treaty (formally the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement) is an international agreement to protect ocean areas beyond any country's jurisdiction—nearly two-thirds of the global ocean. It needs 60 countries to ratify it to enter into force.
Q: Why oppose deep-sea mining?
Deep-sea mining threatens ancient, fragile ecosystems we barely understand. Many faith traditions teach precaution and humility before creation. The push for a moratorium reflects the need to protect these mysterious depths until we better understand the impacts.
Q: How does ocean protection relate to climate change?
The ocean absorbs about 30% of human-produced CO2 and over 90% of excess heat from global warming. Healthy marine ecosystems are crucial for climate regulation. Protecting the ocean is climate action.
Need More Help?
Q: Who can we contact with additional questions?
Email us on our Contact Page. We're here to support your participation and answer any questions not covered in this FAQ.
Q: Where can we find more detailed information about ocean conservation from a faith perspective?
Visit our RESOURCES page to access our full resource library, including:
Five comprehensive guides on one page covering: Understanding UNOC3, The 30x30 Ocean Target from a faith perspective, The High Seas Treaty explained for faith communities, Faith-based approaches to ocean finance and blue economy, and 10 Inner Principles for Ocean Protection. These primers provide accessible, spiritually-grounded insights into key ocean policy topics.
Impact Report: Sacred Oceans, Shared Responsibility
This comprehensive report showcases 11 real-world case studies of faith-led ocean conservation from around the globe, demonstrating how religious communities are already making a difference. From Hindu turtle guardians in India to Buddhist monks protecting dolphins in Cambodia, these stories provide inspiration and practical models for faith-based ocean action.