June 8 is the first annual World Oceans Day,
and with that comes a raft of responsibility for those of us who care about preserving
our global waters. At the top of the mast? The Law of the Sea Convention, a
widely supported treaty known as the “constitution for the world’s oceans.”
However, despite its wide support, the Treaty still
needs President Obama’s personal endorsement before it goes to the U.S. Senate
floor for ratification – and we need your help to get it there. Here’s what
ratifying the Treaty will achieve:
·
Provide Responsible
Stewardship of our Oceans. Ratifying the treaty
would put us in a position to further global efforts to protect marine life,
conduct research, and prevent marine pollution. U.S. laws are already strong in
these areas; if we join, we can urge other countries to fulfill their
obligations to keep the seas clean and safe for future generations.
·
Provide Peace,
Equity, and Security. No one nation
controls the world's vast oceans, which cover over
two-thirds of the planet. Only through a
comprehensive set of rules can all countries maintain their rights to navigate
the waters safely and freely. Additionally, the treaty provides legal framework
to ensure that disputes on international waters are resolved peacefully.
·
Send a Message to the World. One hundred and
fifty-six countries have joined the Law of the Sea Treaty, and the United
States is nearly alone among industrialized nations in its failure to do so. It would be a clear signal to the
rest of the world of this Administration’s commitment to global re-engagement
and working with the United Nations.
Thank you for joining us to
shore up support for the Law of the Sea Treaty. We appreciate your commitment
to protecting our oceans!
Thanks,
Better World Campaign