Global Leaders Forge Historic Ocean Biodiversity Treaty After Decades of Dispute

World governments have finally agreed on a landmark treaty to protect ocean life. The United Nations announced the deal after a marathon 38-hour session. It aims to place 30% of international waters into protected areas by 2030.

This breakthrough ends nearly two decades of stalled negotiations. The high seas represent over 60% of the world’s oceans. They are vital to global ecosystems and have long suffered from legal gaps in governance.

A New Framework for Marine Conservation

The treaty establishes a legal framework for creating marine protected areas on the high seas. This was the core contentious issue for many years. According to Reuters, the agreement also sets new rules for conducting environmental impact assessments for commercial activities like deep-sea mining.

These assessments will be mandatory for any planned activity. The goal is to prevent significant damage to marine biodiversity. This creates a more level playing field for all nations and industries.

The pact introduces principles for sharing benefits from marine genetic resources. These resources are valuable for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Developing countries had long argued for fair access and benefit-sharing, which is now included.

Why the “High Seas Treaty” Matters for Global Ecology

The high seas are a critical carbon sink and home to millions of species. They are currently threatened by overfishing, pollution, and climate change. This treaty provides the first major mechanism to coordinate international conservation efforts.

Scientists have warned that ocean health is declining rapidly. This deal is seen as essential to meeting the “30 by 30” target agreed upon at the UN biodiversity conference. It connects ocean health directly to global climate goals.

The success of this treaty will depend on swift ratification and implementation by member states. The UN will host a future session for formal adoption. The world will be watching to see how quickly words turn into action.

This hard-won consensus on the High Seas Treaty marks a turning point for international environmental cooperation, offering a renewed chance to safeguard our planet’s largest ecosystem for future generations.

Thought you’d like to know

What are the ‘high seas’ exactly?

The high seas are all parts of the ocean that are not included in any country’s territorial waters or exclusive economic zones. They are international waters belonging to no single nation, making global cooperation essential for their protection.

What was the main sticking point in the negotiations?

The fair sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources was a major hurdle. Wealthier nations have the technology to explore these resources, while developing countries demanded a share of the profits and benefits derived from them.

How many countries were involved in the talks?

Delegates from more than 100 UN member states participated in the final negotiating session. The Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction led the process over multiple rounds of talks.

When will the treaty go into effect?

The treaty will enter into force after a minimum of 60 countries formally ratify it through their national legislatures. This process could take several years, but there is significant momentum following the agreement.

Why is protecting 30% of the oceans a key goal?

Scientific studies, including those cited by the UN, indicate that protecting at least 30% of the world’s oceans is crucial to maintaining biodiversity, rebuilding fish stocks, and enhancing resilience to climate change.