I have recently returned from an incredible voyage with Greenpeace into the heart of the Sargasso Sea. As delegates gather in New York for the first time to agree on how to drive the United Nations Ocean Treaty forward, I want to reflect on this experience and the ongoing campaign to protect our blue spaces around Bermuda and beyond.

My journey was not just a return to the sea — a place that feels like home — but a vivid reminder of what we are fighting for: the preservation of our ocean and the unique ecosystems within it, such as the Sargasso Sea, upon which Bermuda heavily depends.

This region is not only geographically unique but also deeply symbolic of the environmental and sociopolitical challenges facing small-island developing states. So far, only seven nations have ratified the treaty into national law and most of them match that description. For the treaty to enter into force next year, 60 nations must ratify it, including wealthy, developed nations such as Britain — and, by extension, Bermuda.

Collective action

As a mixed-race, multicultural female youth activist from Bermuda, I have always viewed my identity as both a badge of honour and a profound responsibility.

The Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise was a microcosm of global co-operation, hosting individuals from 18 different nationalities. Each person brought their unique cultural insights and expertise, united under a shared, powerful goal: preserving the ocean. This diversity on board was not just about representation; it was a testament to the power of collective action in the face of global environmental challenges.

During the expedition, I had the opportunity to deploy a 300-metre-long hydrophone, which allowed me to listen to the mesmerising songs of whales and the chatter of dolphins. I observed breaching humpbacks, impeccable stargazing, and even enjoyed a swim in the middle of the Atlantic while inspecting small Sargassum mats — a reminder of what we stand to lose without protective measures.

The vision of the Sargasso Sea as a marine sanctuary is bold yet vital. It’s not merely about conservation but about asserting the rights and responsibilities of local communities over the natural resources that govern their survival.

My time on the Greenpeace ship was marked not only by a shared mission but also filled with laughter and new insights.

Helping where it counts

Among our diverse crew was Dan Smith from the band Bastille, who joined us in support of the treaty. Seeing him in a more humanised light as he experienced the voyage, seasickness and our island for the first time was truly enlightening. Curious about his involvement, I asked him why he chose to come to Bermuda and support our cause. He told me: “Bermuda might be small, but its voice and its vision could be huge. It’s inspiring to see how passionate you all are about protecting your home and the larger environment. I am here because Greenpeace invited me and I desperately wanted to experience the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, but ultimately I believe in amplifying efforts that matter, and what happens here in Bermuda could set a precedent for global marine conservation. It’s about helping where it counts, and right now it counts here.”

Dan’s words reinforced the significance of our efforts and how even the smallest community’s actions towards environmental advocacy can have a global reach. His presence and support brought an additional layer of solidarity to our mission, underscoring the universal importance of our cause.

Bermuda’s unique distinction

As a British Overseas Territory, Bermuda’s relationship with international bodies and foreign nations often complicates our local governance and environmental stewardship, sometimes overshadowing the voices of our local communities.

It is clear that our relationship with the Commonwealth needs to be strengthened, especially in addressing environmental issues collaboratively. The paradox of being a Commonwealth country with limited control over our own waters underscores the struggles small-island nations face in balancing global governance with local sovereignty.

Bermuda, although a tiny speck on the vast blue map — often overlooked or underestimated — holds the unique distinction of being the only landmass within the boundaries of the Sargasso Sea. Despite our size, we are mighty and should be leading the design of what the Sargasso Sea sanctuary looks like, ensuring it is properly conserved and preserves our cultural heritage. We must assert our rightful place at the helm when discussing the protection of our surrounding waters, given our proximity and dependence on this marine ecosystem.

The concept of “resilience” often describes the spirit of Bermuda and its people, yet I challenge this notion. Resilience has become a soft glove over a hard fist, masking systemic issues under the guise of strength and endurance. We need to shift the conversation from enduring to preventing, from surviving to thriving.

This narrative of “resilience”, often celebrated as a virtue, sometimes feels like a trap, suggesting that enduring hardship is our only option. Why should our survival depend on our ability to endure? We need national and global policies that address the root causes of inequality and environmental degradation, not just those that praise us for surviving them.

I am a staunch advocate for intergenerational collaboration. The wisdom of our elders, combined with the innovation and energy of the youth, can forge a formidable force for environmental advocacy. It is essential that we harness this collective power to push for policies that reflect true equity and justice.

Invitation to global action

The presence of the Arctic Sunrise at the pier in our city centre last month should serve as an invitation to move beyond local advocacy to global action.

We are promoting the ratification of the UN Global Ocean Treaty, aiming to protect at least 30 per cent of the world’s oceans by 2030, with the Sargasso Sea as a priority site. As has said Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, the Sargasso Sea could be a poster child for ocean protection on a global scale, and Bermuda should be both literally and metaphorically at the centre of that.

This initiative is crucial, and advocacy efforts are key to ensuring the treaty reflects the needs and aspirations of all ocean-dependent communities, especially those in small-island states such as Bermuda.

The challenge is immense, but so is our determination. I am committed to ensuring that our voices are not just heard but lead the charge. The time for enduring is over. Now is the time for empowering, leading, and protecting. Stay tuned as we turn resilience into revolution.

• Noelle Young is a Bermuda Youth Delegate and Sustainability Solutionist. She consulted Greenpeace during its visit to Bermuda and the Sargasso Sea