Noelle Young Invited To Rio Symposium
Bermudian Noelle Young was invited by Brazil’s Ministry of Environment to speak at the Third High Seas Treaty Symposium in Rio de Janeiro this month.
A spokesperson said, “Brazil’s Ministry of Environment has invited Bermudian advocate Noelle Young to speak at the Third High Seas Treaty Symposium. As a Climate Justice Delegate and consultant for Greenpeace UK, Young will share her expertise at Rio de Janeiro’s Museu do Amanhã during this landmark global ocean summit.
“This international summit [10-12 March] brings together world leaders, scientists, and legal experts to discuss turning the High Seas Treaty into action. This landmark deal is the first of its kind dedicated to protecting wildlife in the areas of the ocean that no single country governs. These waters, commonly referred to as the high seas, make up nearly half of the planet’s surface and are home to some of the world’s most important marine ecosystems.
“For Bermuda, the stakes are high. The Sargasso Sea falls largely within the Treaty’s jurisdiction, meaning these new laws will directly impact the waters surrounding the island. Ms. Young will join a panel of experts to explore how establishing Marine Protected Areas on the high seas can help to achieve climate and biodiversity objectives, while ensuring the sustainability of coastal livelihoods and planetary health.
Young said, “Small island communities like ours have lived in close relationship with the ocean since our societies were first established, As the world begins implementing the High Seas Treaty, it is vital that the voices of those closest to these ecosystems are meaningfully included in shaping their own future.”
The spokesperson said, “Building on her work as a youth leader and Climate Justice Delegate, Young has previously spoken alongside world leaders at the UN and multiple COP summits – COP28 and COP29. Her invitation to Rio stems from her involvement with the Global Ethical Stocktake in 2025 – an initiative convened by the Brazilian Ministry of Environment and supported by the Center for Earth Ethics. This project pushes for ‘inclusive leadership,’ ensuring that environmental decision-making is not just legally sound, but just and morally fair.”
Young said, “The Global Ethical Stocktake was a powerful reminder that beyond targets and treaties, we are also being asked who we wish to become as a society, and whether we will choose courage over convenience by protecting what cannot speak for itself,”
The spokesperson said, “During that gathering, Ms. Young also had the opportunity to engage with and speak alongside Dr. David Suzuki, the internationally renowned environmentalist, scientist and broadcaster whose decades of work in biodiversity conservation and climate advocacy have inspired generations of environmental leaders.”
Chris Thorne, senior campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said “Bermudians have a deep connection to the ocean, so Bermuda has a vital role to play in international ocean governance. Clear recommendations from right across the community must be heeded by governments when developing proposals to protect the Sargasso Sea and the wider Atlantic Ocean. Greenpeace is working to ensure the community’s voice is heard loud and clear at the UN, so the High Seas Treaty delivers real results for the island. We are proud to support this vital work.”
The spokesperson said, “Adopted in 2023 and now entering the implementation phase, the High Seas Treaty represents a historic shift from negotiation to action. Governments are now developing new governance systems and proposals for Area-Based Management Tools [ABMTs] to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
“Upon her return, Young will convene the Inaugural Gathering of the Sargasso Sea Advisory Council, supported by Greenpeace UK, on 19 March 2026 in Bermuda.”
Read More About
Category: All, Environment
