In the early 2000s, while working as an underwater photographer, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of environmental degradation on our oceans. I captured the destruction of vital reef systems caused by El Niño, overfishing, chemical runoff, and plastic pollution. These experiences were a wake-up call — and they drove me to act.

I went on to create a global, free environmental education programme that now reaches over 24,000 schools in 94 countries, empowering young people to care for the planet they will inherit.

Today, during the UN Water Action Decade, we stand at a critical tipping point. Our ocean — the life-support system of Earth — is in danger. Right now, less than 3% of oceans are fully protected, leaving marine life, climate stability, and our collective future at risk.

Young people around the world are rising up. They understand the urgency. They want to be part of the solution. Their creativity, insight, and determination are essential to creating a more sustainable future.

"For the first time in human history, we understand what’s happening to our oceans — and we still have time to act...
The ocean’s power of regeneration is remarkable – if we just offer it the chance.” — David Attenborough, Oceans (2025)

📣 This petition, on behalf of children and young people, calls on world leaders to:

🌍 Protect at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, through fully and highly protected marine areas
🧭 Be accountable and deliver on their commitments to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 and safeguard water as one of the planet’s essential life-support systems
👂 Listen to children and young people, who will inherit the consequences of today’s decisions
 
🌐 Water Week: A Global Movement for Change
To support this youth-led movement, we’ve launched Water Week - a global, cross-sector initiative uniting science, storytelling, and education to protect water. Water Week complements this petition by mobilising artists, filmmakers, musicians, engineers, scientists, conservationists, educators, and young changemakers to share knowledge, create content, and activate their networks to inspire action. By 2030, we aim for every country to run its own Water Week campaign, linking together in a global #WaveOfChange.

Because when it comes to protecting water — the very lifeblood of our planet — collaboration isn’t optional. It’s essential.

We believe access to clean, safe water is a human right — and our oceans deserve legal protection too. Water must be safeguarded not just for people, but for the ecosystems that depend on it. No one has the right to exploit or pollute it for short-term gain.

How You Can Help

👉 Sign this petition — and urge world leaders to protect our oceans and water resources for future generations.

🧒 Parents and teachers: Sign on behalf of children via our
Pledge for the Planet: wastebuster.co.uk/pledge-for-the-planet

🤝💧 Businesses: Join Water Week to collaborate, promote and help protect our planet’s water. Sign the Business Pledge for the Planet here:
🔗 wastebuster.co.uk/business-pledge-for-the-planet

🌊 Join the Wave of Change — film yourself, your family, class, school or business team doing a stadium-style wave, nominate and tag friends, and post it with
#WavesOfChange on social media to keep the movement going!
📹 Watch the Wave video 

👨‍👩‍👧 Accept family-friendly Cartoon Network Climate Champions water challenges — small steps that all make a big difference, and challenge your friends to do them too!:
🌐 cartoonnetworkclimatechampions.com/water-week-with-wastebuster-2025

📚 Learn more about our story and the power of education to drive environmental change:
🔗 unric.org/en/wastebuster-inspiring-waste-action-through-education

🎬 Watch how kids can change the world — featuring Sir Ken Robinson, Emma Watson, and Aardman Animations:
🔗 Watch the film 

Let’s empower young people and demand urgent, bold, and lasting protection for our oceans. Your voice matters. Add it to the wave of change. 🌊

Note: After signing, Change.org may ask for a donation. This is entirely optional. We are not asking for money — just your voice.