Treaty to Protect Biodiversity in High Seas

• 06 Mar 2023

On March 4, 2023, United Nations members have reached a historic agreement to protect marine life in the high seas, which make up nearly half of the planet's surface.

• The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which came into force in 1994 provided a legal framework for the management and conservation of marine resources in national waters.
• The treaty represents a turning point in the conservation of marine biodiversity in the high seas, where protection has been hampered by a confusing patchwork of laws.
• The agreement applies to nearly half of the planet's surface, creating a new body to manage conservation of ocean life and establish marine protected areas in the high seas.
• The treaty establishes ground rules for conducting environmental impact assessments for commercial activities in the oceans.
• The UN Biodiversity Conference has also pledged to protect 30% of the planet's waters and land for conservation, and the protection of marine life in the high seas is crucial for achieving this goal.