Our ocean is in deep crisis. From the hidden depths of the sea floor to bustling coastlines, from icy polar waters to tropical coral reefs, human impacts are everywhere. The ocean’s ability to stabilise the climate, protect biodiversity and support billions of livelihoods is under threat, yet the global response has fallen far short of what is needed. Despite its declining health, the ocean still struggles to secure meaningful attention from governments, businesses and policymakers.

Against this backdrop, a small but influential group of civil society organisations and foundations came together to raise the level of ambition for ocean action. The Blue Call to Action was launched in 2019, setting out joint priorities, objectives and targets – not based on what is politically convenient, but on what the ocean truly needs to recover.

What is RISE UP

Carrying that momentum forward, RISE UP has grown into a global network linking grassroots movements with decision-making spaces. Coordinated by the RISE UP Secretariat, the network is actively building connections across its members, with the aim of amplifying the voices of communities most impacted by the ocean crisis.

• Vision: A just and thriving ocean where communities and civil society drive equitable and effective ocean governance.
• Mission: To unite and amplify civil society and community voices to influence global ocean policy and decision-making.

We are led by a small secretariat, guided by our expert Advisory Group and supported by philanthropic funding. RISE UP is fiscally hosted by The Ocean Foundation.

 

Why is our work important?

Our team is working at the intersection of ocean and human rights, specializing in connecting communities, policy and ocean stewardship, leveraging coalitions and advocacy to create change from local to international levels.

RISE UP is responsive to emerging issues within the global ocean agenda, specifically our current portfolio of priorities. Our approach across local, regional and global spheres includes:

• Co-Creating Campaigns and Sharing Knowledge: We collaborate with like-minded organisations, allied decision-makers, NGOs and other stakeholders to build alliances that strengthen the impact of community-driven advocacy.

• Bringing Grassroots Voices to Global Decision-Making Spaces: We connect local communities with global campaigns, policy platforms and processes, leveraging our expansive network to ensure grassroots perspectives and priorities shape international advocacy.

• Building Strategic Alliances for Stronger Impact and Advocacy Capacity: Through active listening and collaboration with partner organisations, we co-create campaigns, share resources and exchange best practices, reinforcing our collective mission.

RISE UP Guiding Principles of Ocean and Human Rights

RISE UP is committed to promoting equitable outcomes and respecting the dignity of all individuals involved in our initiatives. We are guided by the following principles:

1. Equity, Human-Rights & Justice

We place human rights, equity, justice and dignity at the centre of ocean action, in solidarity with communities most affected by environmental and social challenges.

2. Inclusion & Collaboration

We amplify the voices of those who depend on the ocean for their livelihoods and culture, building bridges between communities, networks and decision-makers.

3. Accountability & Transparency

We act openly, take responsibility for our decisions and share knowledge to build trust and credibility with our partners and communities.

4. Adaptability & Learning

We respond flexibly to emerging challenges, guided by evidence, local knowledge and ongoing reflection, adapting strategies to maximize impact and create change.

5. Commitment & Impact

We act with purpose and determination, focusing on meaningful, lasting change while remaining reflective and open to new ideas.