Tag: High Seas Treaty

Historic Ocean Treaty set to enter into force, opening path for marine biodiversity recovery

Stuart Mitchell

In a landmark moment for ocean protection, the High Seas Treaty has reached the threshold of 60 governments signing it into law, clearing the way for the historic agreement to enter into force. This is the most important global agreement on the environmental crisis since the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.  With less than 1% of the High Seas currently fully or highly protected, the Treaty is crucial to expanding protection, establishing sanctuaries that allow biodiversity to recover and wildlife to thrive, helping to mitigate the climate crisis, and safeguarding food…

Read More

Governments formally adopt High Seas Treaty, paving the way for greater ocean protection

Stuart Mitchell

UN members HAVE formally adopted a High Seas Treaty aimed at conserving marine life and restraining harmful activities across the two-thirds of the ocean that lie beyond national jurisdiction. The text was agreed last March following a marathon negotiating session, but additional time was needed for translation into UN languages. “The high seas are humanity’s greatest global commons, and they are a vital part of our planet’s life-support system. But only about 1% of the high seas is currently protected,” said Pepe Clarke, Oceans Practice Leader, WWF International. “Last year,…

Read More