The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental treaty addressing climate change, negotiated and signed by 154 states at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, informally known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro from 3 to 14 June 1992. Recently, a number of nations have approved an addition to the treaty: the Kyoto Protocol, which has more powerful (and legally binding) measures. The UNFCCC secretariat supports all institutions involved in the climate change process. Included here because of the dramatic impact of climate change on the oceans and marine life.

Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Vibrant Oceans Initiative (VOI) works to protect and restore the world’s ocean by promoting ocean conservation, protecting resilient coral reef habitats, and reducing the practice of harmful and illegal overfishing. Vibrant Oceans Initiative is one of the largest philanthropic commitments to internationally reform fisheries management. This effort will help Brazil, Chile and the Philippines sustainably manage their fisheries, enhance food security and strengthen local communities.

Part of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), within the World Commission of Protected Areas, the High Seas Specialist Group exists with the purpose to advance awareness of the importance and vulnerability of the ocean beyond national boundaries and its connection to the ocean within.

Probably the most well-known and international environmental conservation group, WWF has a significant Marine component through their Oceans programme which focuses on Coral Reefs, Coastal Communities, Sustainable Blue Economy, Plastic-free Ocean, and No Deep Sea Mining. WWF works in more than 40 countries to campaign, lobby, develop and advocate solutions, commission and publish impartial data, advise, and champion the conservation of the marine environment and sustainable livelihoods. Amongst the many programmes and projects it leads or is in partnership globally is the Coral Reef Rescue Initiative (https://www.coralreefrescueinitiative.org/). Note: Many countries with local offices have their own WWF websites.

The Waitt Institute, funded by the Waitt Foundation, is a non-profit institution partnering with island governments and communities to restore coral reefs and fisheries. The Institute creates and implements sustainable ocean plans with committed governments and local stakeholders by leading a team of world class experts. With a global reach, current projects are in the Caribbean, the Azores, the Maldives, Micronesia, the Pacific.

WaterKeeper Alliance (WA) is organizing the fight for clean water into a coordinated global movement. It is a worldwide network of environmental organizations founded in 1999, in response to a growing movement of organizations with such names as Riverkeeper, Baykeeper and Soundkeeper. It unites all Waterkeeper organizations, coordinating and covering issues affecting Waterkeepers that work to protect rivers, lakes, bays, sounds, and other water bodies around the world. Their advocacy campaigns include to move away from our reliance on fossil fuels, eliminate the impacts of factory farms on waterways, protect and restore watersheds, and help create and enforce environmental laws by publicizing violations and violators. Their goal: drinkable, fishable, swimmable water everywhere.

Wildlife charity that is dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans). WDC is a founding partner of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS, also known as Bonn Convention), which is part of the United Nations Environment Program. The organization also develops regional protection agreements and conventions and closely cooperates with the orca (killer whale) research station OrcaLab in British Columbia, Canada. Operates world wide with offices in Germany, Australia, Argentina, Great Britain and the United States. UK: Chippenden, Wiltshire and Moray, Scotland. US HQ: Plymouth, Mass. AUS: Port Adelaide. DE: Munich, Germany

Wildlife charity that is dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans). WDC is a founding partner of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS, also known as Bonn Convention), which is part of the United Nations Environment Program. The organization also develops regional protection agreements and conventions and closely cooperates with the orca (killer whale) research station OrcaLab in British Columbia, Canada. Operates world wide with offices in Germany, Australia, Argentina, Great Britain and the United States. UK: Chippenden, Wiltshire and Moray, Scotland. US HQ: Plymouth, Mass. AUS: Port Adelaide. DE: Munich, Germany

Wildlife charity that is dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans). WDC is a founding partner of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS, also known as Bonn Convention), which is part of the United Nations Environment Program. The organization also develops regional protection agreements and conventions and closely cooperates with the orca (killer whale) research station OrcaLab in British Columbia, Canada. Operates world wide with offices in Germany, Australia, Argentina, Great Britain and the United States. UK: Chippenden, Wiltshire and Moray, Scotland. US HQ: Plymouth, Mass. AUS: Port Adelaide. DE: Munich, Germany

Wildlife charity that is dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans). WDC is a founding partner of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS, also known as Bonn Convention), which is part of the United Nations Environment Program. The organization also develops regional protection agreements and conventions and closely cooperates with the orca (killer whale) research station OrcaLab in British Columbia, Canada. Operates world wide with offices in Germany, Australia, Argentina, Great Britain and the United States. UK: Chippenden, Wiltshire and Moray, Scotland. US HQ: Plymouth, Mass. AUS: Port Adelaide. DE: Munich, Germany

The illegal wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar global industry largely driven by consumer demand in expanding economies. While most wildlife conservation groups focus on scientific studies and anti-poaching efforts, WildAid works to reduce global consumption of wildlife products and to increase local support for conservation efforts. They also work with governments and partners to protect fragile marine reserves from illegal fishing and shark finning, to enhance public and political will for anti-poaching efforts, and to reduce climate change impacts.

WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide, through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. WCS currently manage about 500 conservation projects in more than 60 countries; and educate millions of visitors at five living institutions in New York City on important issues affecting the planet