NEWS – On World Oceans Day, June 8, 2024, the Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) emphasized the critical need for global cooperation to implement the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty

HIGHLIGHTS

Importance of the Treaty

• Vast Coverage: The High Seas cover about two-thirds of the ocean’s surface.
• Lack of Control: These areas are not under the jurisdiction of any single country.
• Biodiversity: Despite rich biodiversity, these regions lack sufficient protection.
• Objective: The treaty aims to establish regulations and protections in these vast, legally ambiguous areas.

Current Status of the Treaty

• BBNJ Agreement: Officially approved and opened for signatures on September 20, 2023.
• Global Response: By mid-2024, 90 countries had signed the agreement, indicating preliminary acceptance.
• Ratification: Only seven countries had ratified the treaty, which is necessary for it to become enforceable international law.

The Ratification Challenge

• Threshold for Enforcement: The treaty requires ratification by at least 60 countries to come into force.
• Current Ratification Status: The low number of ratifications poses a significant hurdle to implementation.
• Call to Action: Aguilar stressed the need for countries to move from signing to formal ratification.

Associated Challenges and Calls for Action

• Environmental Issues: Aguilar highlighted related environmental concerns, such as unsustainable fishing practices and the proposed ban on deep-sea mining, both detrimental to marine life.
• Advocacy for Oceans: Emphasis was placed on the necessity of continuous efforts to protect ocean resources on scientific, legal, and moral grounds.