In pirate lore, a parley is a conference or discussion, especially between opposing sides as a negotiation for terms of a truce. The root of the word parley is parler, French for “to speak.” Parley was founded to create a space where seemingly disparate parties can talk, think and act together to negotiate peace between humankind and the life-giving ecosystem that connects us all: the oceans.

We’re a new form of environmental organization

Behind every major environmental problem we face is a flawed business model, a faulty material, a broken system, or an outdated way of creating, thinking and living. So-called “environmentalism” is one of the fastest-growing movements in the history of humankind, yet a cycle of destruction continues to threaten the magic blue universe that makes this blue planet not just beautiful, but habitable. Our own survival is at stake.

Every second breath we take is generated by life in the oceans. They form the planet’s largest climate regulator and only long-term carbon sink. Oceans hold 97 percent of Earth’s water supply and comprise 99.9 percent of the biosphere — almost all the space on our home that can support life is underwater. The oceans will always be a mystery, but we know enough to see the impact of human activity and understand the risks to our future. We have all the knowledge, tools, and imagination we need to protect our life support system. How do we connect the dots and sync the economic system of humankind with the ecosystem of nature?

Parley is a new form of environmental organization — one that sees the key to solutions in a formula of creativity, collaboration and eco-innovation. Together with a global network of partners, collaborators and supporters, we raise awareness for the beauty and fragility of the oceans, develop and implement comprehensive strategies, and work across the creative communities, brands, governments and environmental groups to end their destruction. And we are up against quite a tough deadline.

Scientists say we have less than a decade to turn things around — to change the ways we are living, producing, consuming, and the ways we understand and define our relationship with nature. This is humanity’s defining decade, and we are here in the most crucial months within it. The latest IPCC reports warn it is now or never for climate action. Limiting human-induced global warming to 1.5°C (2.7°F) as set forth by the Paris Climate Accord requires global greenhouse gas emissions to peak before 2025 at the latest, and be halved by 2030. The only way we’ll achieve this is with immediate, bold action, and through unprecedented levels of collaboration.

Parley has a positive, creative approach. Many changes are already locked in, but we know we can stop and even reverse the trend of destruction if we change the mindset of the creative industries and build a network of creators, thinkers and leaders who can accelerate solutions. We also know we will only succeed working together. Parley is calling on everyone to be part of the Material Revolution and the movement - for the oceans. Get in touch if you’d like to own your role with Parley.

Our Story

Parley is a global collaboration network that brings together creators, thinkers, and leaders across creative communities, environmental groups, brands and governments to raise awareness for the beauty and fragility of the oceans and take action to end their destruction. Co-founded in 2012 by Cyrill Gutsch and Lea Stepken, it all started with a conversation that inspired a mind shift, a career change and a decision to dive into the environmental causes. From there, it grew into a collaboration space, launching with a series of talks meant to bring people together to bolster the exchange knowledge and ideas, and garner support for environmental causes.

In the span of a decade, we have grown into an award-winning global movement and network, taking action in more than 30 countries. We’ve formed alliances with major partners including adidas, American Express, Anheuser Busch InBev (Corona), Republic of Maldives, United Nations, World Bank, British Fashion Council, Dior, Brita, Talisker, Sea Change Project, Biofabricate and other collaborators spanning the worlds of science, art, fashion, design, technology, finance, entertainment, sports, space and ocean exploration.

Everything starts with inspiration. Therefore every Parley project begins with a curated gathering, an event or discussion on a dedicated topic, presented by Parley Speakers to a carefully selected audience. These talks are meant to give an overview of the State of the Oceans in general, to present a specific cause, and to get the support for a related initiative or project.

Once there is serious interest to support the cause and collaborate, or to join an existing project or initiative, the Parley team helps to get things moving by developing an individual idea or concept, connecting potential partners, and moderating the collaboration process. We shape ideas from conception to reality, from a good intention to the finalization of an agreement and actionable strategy.

The signature on an agreement is the official kick-off for each partnership and project. The Parley team supports our collaborators by translating needs and ideas to each partner, managing expectations and keeping the partners on track with a realistic roadmap. The success of a collaboration lies in its implementation. We measure our progress by what we achieve together, our impact.

“CHANGE IS PAIN AND COSTS A LOT OF ENERGY, MONEY AND TIME. BUT WHAT IS MORE BEAUTIFUL? WHAT MAKES US FEEL MORE ALIVE THAN ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN THE MOST IMPORTANT QUEST OUR SPECIES HAS EVER FACED?”

CYRILL GUTSCH — FOUNDER & CEO, PARLEY