International agreement for ocean protection becomes active following approval by sufficient nations
The world is on the brink of a significant milestone in ocean conservation, with the United Nations High Seas Protection Agreement set to become law in January 2026. This treaty, aimed at protecting biodiverse areas in waters worldwide that lie beyond countries' exclusive economic zones, has already garnered the support of 143 countries.
The treaty's effectiveness, however, may encounter push-back from maritime and industrial powers like Russia and the United States, neither of which have ratified the agreement. Russia has deemed some elements as unacceptable, while the second Trump administration in the United States is unlikely to ratify the treaty. The Biden administration, on the other hand, has signed off on the treaty.
The agreement sets binding rules to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity, addressing numerous threats facing the oceans, such as pollution, overfishing, and growing challenges from deep-sea mining. Until now, only one percent of high seas waters have had such legal safeguards.
Small island states, developing countries, and even landlocked countries are being urged to join the treaty. Developing countries, often lacking resources for research expeditions, have fought for benefit-sharing rights to avoid being left behind in the future market for genetic resources. The treaty establishes principles for sharing benefits of marine genetic resources collected in international waters, a contentious issue in negotiations.
The treaty also addresses regional fisheries bodies and the International Seabed Authority, focusing on rules for the environmentally destructive deep-sea mining industry. Countries like Germany and the USA have signed but not yet ratified the treaty. Germany requires new legislation for ratification, and economic interests along with weak enforcement mechanisms have caused delays, while major fishing nations like China have expanded their fleets and are skeptical about the agreement's impact on their activities.
The first protected areas under the treaty are not expected to be set up until late 2028 or 2029. Ocean conservationists are urging more countries to ratify for the treaty's effectiveness. The High Seas Alliance coalition is urging for global or universal ratification of the treaty, as the agreement will cover more than two-thirds of the ocean, protecting international waters that make up around 60 percent of the oceans.
The oceans are vital to combatting climate change, responsible for creating half of the globe's oxygen supply. Marine ecosystems in the high seas must be protected because they are sources of oxygen and limit global warming by absorbing a significant portion of carbon dioxide emitted through human activities. The treaty's success could mark a turning point in the fight against climate change, as well as the preservation of marine biodiversity.
Read also:
- Russia, according to Zelensky, lacks the prowess for launching another significant offensive.
- Russia's Latest Peace Proposals for Donbas: New Diplomatic Landscape Emerges amid Alaska Summit, Potentially Opening Ceasefire Opportunities
- Amidst India's escalating climate crisis, transgender individuals continue to persevere
- Contentious Discussion Surrounding the Movie Release of "Planet of the Humans"
