Beyond Sustainability: The Ocean as a Peacebuilder
A recent visit to the La Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia's pristine marine reserve, highlighted both the breathtaking beauty and immense challenges of marine preservation. Witnessing the iconic Budelli’s Pink Beach underscored the constant threat human activity poses to fragile ocean ecosystems. The dedication of marine environmental guards like Laura Olivieri further emphasized the significant, often unseen, effort required to protect these vital environments.
This experience resonated deeply with the timely article, "The Ocean as a Peacebuilder," by Vladimir Ryabinin and co-authors. Published shortly after UNOC3, the paper proposes a groundbreaking idea: integrating peacebuilding into ocean research and management. It argues that cooperative ocean science can unlock the ocean's potential as a force for peace.
The authors highlight a critical gap—the lack of dedicated transdisciplinary methodologies to fully realize this potential. However, the UN's Ocean Decade offers a unique opportunity to bridge the divide between peacebuilding and ocean research communities. The article also emphasizes the powerful, often overlooked, connection between UNESCO's original mission of fostering peace through education, culture, and science, and UNCLOS's framework for peacefully resolving maritime disputes. This link is particularly relevant in our turbulent world, with initiatives like the 30x30 Ocean Action Plan reinforcing this vision.
Ryabinin’s paper brought to mind another excellent read: "Psychological and physical connections with nature improve both human well-being and nature conservation: A systematic review of meta-analyses" by Gladys Barragan-Jason and colleagues. This research highlights how our connections with nature enhance both human well-being and conservation efforts. Ultimately, connecting with nature benefits human health and conservation, and strengthening these often-overlooked relationships in public policy could significantly improve sustainability outcomes.
This innovative perspective aligns with research showing that our connection with nature improves both human well-being and conservation efforts. Ultimately, from individual efforts to protect local marine wonders to global initiatives merging peace and ocean conservation, every commitment to our oceans is vital.
Global Tipping Points Conference: A Beacon of Hope for Our Planet
The recent Global Tipping Points Conference at the University of Exeter brought together leading minds—researchers, scientists, activists, and practitioners—to confront the urgent challenge of preventing global Earth systems from collapsing. The overwhelming sentiment was one of hope and collaboration, focusing on how collective action and scientific understanding can pave the way for a more sustainable future.
A major theme was the shift from merely understanding negative environmental tipping points to actively identifying and implementing positive global tipping points. Inspired by historical examples where small changes led to monumental positive outcomes, the conference highlighted that humanity still has the power to avoid the worst.
Key speakers included Johan Rockström, who offered an urgent yet hopeful "planetary health check," and Sandrine Dixson-Declève, who underscored the importance of collective action. The conference also showcased remarkable progress in areas like the Amazon basin and the growing adoption of Doughnut Economics in cities. Discussions delved into the ethical implications of a new human era, the potential of unity for a brighter future, and the critical role of science in addressing food system vulnerabilities. Emerging topics like AI's role in planetary transformation and solar radiation modification were also explored.
The anticipation is high for the 2025 Global Tipping Points report, expected to introduce a new paradigm that will inspire initiatives such as the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. The conference served as a powerful reminder that through rich exchanges and collaborative efforts, small ideas and actions can collectively transform systems for the better.
Igniting Hope: AwareNearth Teams Up with Nat Cardozo!
Get ready for something truly special! AwareNearth is thrilled to announce our first-ever collaboration, and it's with none other than the incredibly talented French Uruguayan author and illustrator, Nat Cardozo.
Nat, an award-winning artist known for her captivating work and unique approach to traditional techniques like pyrography (the art of "writing with fire"), is bringing her vision to a groundbreaking new project. This isn't just a book; it's an invitation to explore our present and future with subtle positivity and hope, even in the face of existential threats.
Imagine stunning illustrations crafted with fire, paired with insightful texts from visionary scientists and philosophers. This project, for the youngest and the oldest, aims to transform how we perceive risks, moving beyond anxiety to help us look beyond the dangers and embrace a more resilient future.
But the experience doesn't stop there. The original illustrations will embark on a journey of their own, featured in art exhibitions across Museums and alongside testimonials from people sharing their emotions and worldviews at this pivotal moment in history.
Nat's passion for world cultures, diverse perspectives, and nature shines through in her constant quest for knowledge, experimentation and positiveness. With a track record of acclaimed exhibitions and awards, including the prestigious Bartolomé Hidalgo for Best Illustrated Album, her work has resonated globally.
Prepare to be inspired as we delve into a world where art, science, and philosophy converge to illuminate a path forward. Stay tuned for more details on this truly fantastic collaboration!
AwareNearth Joins Forces with MEGA to Strengthen Earth Governance!
We're excited to announce that AwareNearth has officially joined the Mobilizing an Earth Governance Alliance (MEGA) steering committee! This is a big step in our mission to protect our planet's vital ecosystems.
MEGA is a powerful coalition of civil society organizations working with governments, experts, and others to strengthen environmental governance. Their crucial mission is to combat environmental destruction caused by poorly regulated development and international competition.
Global environmental governance helps us look beyond national interests to safeguard Earth's ecosystems for everyone, now and in the future.
What Does MEGA Do?
Hosts an online platform for environmental governance proposals and campaigns.
Connects organizations and stakeholders in the field.
Supports advocacy efforts to governments and policymakers.
Educates the public and encourages engagement in international environmental governance.
Led by the Climate Governance Commission and World Federalist Movement/Institute for Global Policy, MEGA has been instrumental in campaigns like the "30% by 2030" ocean protection initiative. Learn more about their work here.
A big thank you to MEGA co-founders Maja Groff, Alyn Ware, and John Vlasto for their warm welcome! With AwareNearth and the Australian Earth Laws Alliance now on board, MEGA is growing its impact, and we're thrilled to contribute to this vital work.
The Ocean's Tipping Point: A Call to Action from UNOC3
The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) recently concluded with a powerful declaration, compelling governments worldwide to take urgent action against critical threats to our marine environments, such as overfishing and pollution.
A central pillar of this commitment is the 30x30 Ocean Action Plan, championed by UN Special Envoy for the Oceans, H.E. Peter Thomson. This ambitious plan aims to safeguard 30% of marine areas by 2030. While vital for a sustainable future, this target sparks important questions: Is it truly achievable, and will it effectively protect our most vulnerable and biodiverse marine regions? As Thomson warned, addressing the ocean crisis, much like the broader climate crisis, hinges on our commitment to intergenerational justice.
Crucially, the conference underscored that education, particularly for young people, is fundamental to protecting our oceans. Initiatives like the "mini 30x30 initiative"—a student-led movement for ocean awareness—are fantastic and deserve to be implemented in primary schools worldwide.
Following the opening ceremony, AwareNearth briefly met with President Lula da Silva, confirming our upcoming visit to the vital "green and blue" Amazon region in October 2025 and then its participation to the COP30 in the city of Belém.
Looking beyond the Framework ?
AwareNearth took part of the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in Geneva (2 - 6 June 2025), during a pivotal moment of reflection on the Sendai Framework.
A key highlight was speaking at the multi-stakeholder plenary “Harnessing strategic foresight and innovation to accelerate disaster risk reduction for future generations” and listening to nations share their experiences, particularly with early warning systems. Statements from South Africa, Seychelles and the Philippines were particularly inspiring.
Their commitment to the next generations was inspiring and these narratives demonstrate the resilience of communities and underscore the importance of preparedness, education and sharing of knowledge for a better future.
Watch the full statement here.
Rights and Duties: A Call to Action
AwareNearth recently marked the 10th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Humankind's Rights (May 13, 2025, Geneva).
This recent declaration, mirrors a modern and innovative version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights champions both human and nature's rights, but here's the punch: Rights without duties are hollow.
We must not only recognize these vital rights but actively embrace our duty to protect and restore the natural world. Our future depends on it.
Arctic Spirit: Unpacking Threats Holistically
AwareNearth’s Executive Director Chris Guillot recently tackled holistic security at the Arctic Spirit Conference in Rovaniemi, Finland (May 5-7, 2025).
The core message: Understanding natural, human-made, and future existential threats demands a collective, cross-cultural approach and can be sometimes turned into opportunities in a constructive and fair manner.
He highlighted complex challenges from North Korea to Bangladesh and from Haiti to the Arctic, emphasizing that security is not isolated. With global experts and Indigenous voices like the Saami, the conference underscored the urgent need to bridge cultural divides and integrate diverse perspectives to navigate the interwoven security risks of our planet.
Existential Threats: A Springboard for Opportunity or another Schism of Reality?
AwareNearth engaged in the UN's 28th Commission on Science and Technology for Development session in Geneva (April 7-11, 2025), where the focus was on leveraging science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development, aligning with the Pact for the Future.
A key takeaway: AI's booming energy demands and investments are immense, with the top three AI firms out-earning Africa's entire GDP. This raises a critical question: Is AI truly serving the global majority, or just a select few? Looking at the ethics of AI certainly remains essential.
This challenge presents a unique opportunity: Can we redirect this powerful technological wave to address pressing global needs and turn existential threats into pathways for shared prosperity?
Interesting reading: Climate negotiations have suffered a “Reality Schism”
Launching AwareNearth ! Because all worldviews matter
🌍 We’re Live: Introducing awareNearth
🚀 Today, we officially launch AwareNearth— a new organisation bridging together decision-makers, communities, individuals, and nature, fostering connection, advocating good practices, and easing uncertainty in turbulent times.
🌱 We aim to build resilience and reduce anxiety by sharing diverse perspectives on understanding and transforming existential threats into opportunities.
🧩 Using science and edutainment we connect with diverse audiences, fostering a better present and a sustainable future for people and nature.
🔗 Learn more at www.awarenearth.org
📩 We’re open to collaboration, dialogue, and ambitious ideas!