By Martin Banks

The prestige High Seas Treaty has been declared winner of the 2025 Earthshot Prize in the “Revive Our Oceans” category.

The winners were named at an awards ceremony in Brazil on Wednesday, an event attended by The Prince of Wales, who founded the global environmental award in 2020.

This is seen as a historic recognition of the global effort to protect nearly half of the planet that lies beyond national jurisdiction.

The award celebrates one of the most significant milestones for ocean protection in decades.

The Treaty, which reached 60 ratifications in September, will enter into force on 17 January 2026.

It establishes a global framework to conserve biodiversity to enable the creation of marine protected areas, and ensure that all nations can benefit equitably from the ocean’s shared resources.

Represented at the ceremony by the High Seas Alliance, the award recognizes the collective work of over 70 organizations that have, for over two decades, campaigned alongside governments, scientists, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities to secure this landmark Agreement.

In her acceptance speech, HSA Director Rebecca Hubbard commented: “By 2030, with the support of the Earthshot community, the High Seas Treaty will help ensure a healthy ocean and a stable climate that supports all life on the planet.

“Together, we will be able to protect biodiversity in the High Seas, which cover half the planet, through a new network of marine protected areas, better management of industrial activities and greater ocean equity.

In a challenging political times the Treaty stands , said Hubbard, as a powerful symbol of hope that when governments and people come together, we can protect what connects us all.

“But now the challenge is to turn that promise into action. So we’d like to call on all communities, Indigenous Peoples, scientists, government, industry leaders everywhere to encourage all countries to swiftly ratify the Treaty, and to transform it from a signed piece of paper into a living, enforceable breathing commitment to protect the High Seas for generations to come,” she went on.

“The ocean is our planet’s blue heart and only together can we keep it thriving and beating strong.”

Founded by the Prince William in 2020, the Earthshot Prize celebrates innovative and inspiring solutions to repair and protect our planet. The 2025 winners were selected from nearly 2,500 nominations across 72 countries.

The High Seas Treaty’s recognition by the Earthshot Prize comes at a defining moment: as the Treaty prepares to enter into force, governments and civil society are urged “to work together to turn commitments into action.”

A High Seas Alliance spokesman said it was “honoured to see this global movement recognized on the world stage, and remains steadfast in its mission to secure a healthy, thriving ocean for generations to come.”

“The Alliance also warmly congratulates all the other 2025 Earthshot Prize winners and finalists for their inspiring leadership and innovation in restoring and protecting our planet.

“Together, these efforts represent the spirit of collaboration and hope needed to build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.”