Historic agreement to protect the world's oceans finally reached after decades of talks. The treaty is set to establish new rules to conserve marine biodiversity in international waters, which cover about two-thirds of the ocean.
The agreement comes after a decade of talks and negotiations between various countries and organizations. It was finally signed at the United Nations in New York, with over 120 countries agreeing to the terms of the treaty.
The treaty aims to protect marine biodiversity in international waters, which have been largely unregulated and open to exploitation for many years. It establishes a framework for conservation and sustainable use of marine resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The agreement will allow for the creation of marine protected areas, as well as regulating activities such as fishing, mining, and shipping in international waters. It also aims to promote the sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources, such as medicines and other products derived from marine organisms.
The world's oceans are facing numerous threats, including overfishing, climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. These threats have put marine biodiversity at risk, with many species facing extinction.
The agreement is seen as a major step towards protecting the world's oceans and the vital ecosystem services they provide. It will help to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of marine biodiversity, as well as promoting the use of marine resources in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Different types of fishes swimming close to each other in an ocean The treaty is also significant in that it represents a rare example of international cooperation and collaboration. The negotiations were long and complex, with many competing interests and viewpoints. However, countries were ultimately able to come together and reach a consensus on the need to protect the world's oceans.
According to ocean expert Dr. Robert Blasiak of Stockholm University, the difficulty is that no one knows how much ocean resources are worth and, as a result, how they could be divided.
He said:
“„If you imagine a big, high-definition, widescreen TV, and if only like three or four of the pixels on that giant screen are working, that's our knowledge of the deep ocean. So we've recorded about 230,000 species in the ocean, but it's estimated that there are over two million.- Ocean expert, Dr. Robert Blasiak of Stockholm University
Greenpeace Nordic oceans campaigner Laura Meller praised the countries for putting aside their disagreements and establishing a pact that would allow for the protection of the seas, increase resilience to climate change, and defend the lives and livelihoods of billions of people.
She also said:
“„This is a historic day for conservation and a sign that in a divided world, protecting nature and people can triumph over geopolitics.- Laura Meller, a Greenpeace Nordic oceans campaigner
The historic agreement to protect the world's oceans is a significant milestone in the fight to protect the planet's biodiversity. It represents a major step forward in the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources in international waters, which have been largely unregulated and open to exploitation for many years.
While the treaty is a major achievement, its success will depend on the willingness of countries to implement its provisions and work together to protect the world's oceans. The treaty is a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing global challenges, and the need for continued efforts to protect the planet's biodiversity and ecosystems.