One World One Ocean!
OceanElders was created to be a locus of collaboration in the field of ocean conservation. Members include Sir Richard Branson, Jackson Browne, Dr. Rita Colwell, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Dr. Sylvia A. Earle, Graeme Kelleher, Sven Lindblad, Her Majesty Queen Noor, Nainoa Thompson, Ted Turner, Captain Don Walsh and Neil Young.
Ocean Elders brings together world leaders to use their collective clout to promote ocean habitat and species protection. We follow The Seventh Generation Principle, which is founded on Iroquois philosophy and enshrined in the Iroquois Great Law of Peace (the model for the United States Constitution), which states that the actions we make now should result in a sustainable world seven generations from now.
Since our inception, we’ve worked closely with partners to promote the creation, continued protection, and/or expansion of marine protected areas, as well as the creation and implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, a new high-seas treaty, and the protection of marine wildlife.
Ocean Elders History
Ocean Elders was conceived during the Mission Blue voyage to the Galapagos Islands in April 2010, when over 100 scientists, business leaders, philanthropists, and celebrities joined forces to support Dr. Sylvia Earle, the 2009 TED Prize Winner, in her TED Wish to raise public awareness about the urgent need for ocean protection.
Gigi Brisson started Ocean Elders in response to Dr. Sylvia Earle’s forceful comments. She wanted to combine scientists’ deep knowledge with the power of amplifiers; people who could reach a broader audience as well as government and business leaders. The goal was to provide a voice for the ocean, which was in critical need of a strong and coordinated defense.
Ocean Elders has grown to include many of the most influential voices not only in ocean protection and conservation, but also in biodiversity, cultural wisdom, and nature, as these disciplines are inextricably linked. Since welcoming Dr. Earle as the first Ocean Elder in June of that year, Ocean Elders has grown to include many of the most influential voices not only in ocean protection and conservation, but also in biodiversity, cultural wisdom, and nature.
