In a world where the ocean is often neglected, it is encouraging to see that nearly 70 countries, as well as the European Union, have signed a historic treaty to protect the high seas. This treaty, which provides for the creation of marine protected areas, aims to preserve marine ecosystems vital to humanity.
The importance of protecting the high seas cannot be underestimated. Despite accounting for nearly half of the planet and more than 60% of the oceans, the high seas have long been ignored in environmental conservation efforts. Only 1% of the high seas are currently protected, underscoring how necessary the treaty is to meet the goal of protecting 30% of land and oceans by 2030, as agreed at COP15 on biodiversity in last December.
The creation of marine protected areas, which is at the heart of the new treaty, is a crucial step in preserving the high seas. These protected areas will help safeguard marine biodiversity, regenerate ecosystems and reduce the harmful effects of change. climatic.
But the treaty’s entry into force will depend on ratification by participating countries, and that’s where the real battle begins. Environmental organizations are calling on countries to be ambitious and ratify the treaty so that it can come into force as early as 2025, at the next United Nations Ocean Conference in France.
It is important to emphasize that protecting the high seas cannot be accomplished by a single country or group of countries. The environmental challenges we face – biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution – require concerted international action.
In addition to the creation of marine protected areas, the treaty also introduces the obligation to carry out environmental impact studies of planned activities on the high seas, such as fishing and mining. It also raises the issue of underwater mining, and some are calling for a moratorium on the practice, in order to protect the climate, biodiversity and communities across the world.
By signing this treaty, participating countries are opening a new chapter in the protection of our ocean. However, there is still a way to go to achieve true protection of the high seas. Ratification of the treaty by more countries is essential, as is the implementation of concrete measures to protect vulnerable marine areas.
It is time to recognize the importance of the ocean in our lives and act responsibly to preserve it. By protecting the high seas, we protect our future and that of many marine species who depend on these ecosystems for their survival.