Oceans produce half the oxygen we breathe, represent 95% of the planet’s biosphere and are the world’s largest carbon sink.
Yet, until now, only 1% of the high seas is under any protection protocol and just 39% of the ocean falls under the national jurisdiction of individual countries.
This new legal framework would place 30 per cent of the world’s oceans into protected areas, put more money into marine conversations, and covers access to and use of marine genetic resources.
It protects resources of the sea by making environmental assessments mandatory before any new exploitation of marine resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction, such as deep sea mining.
This treaty advocates for a precautionary approach to using marine resources responsibly, where no national jurisdiction can apply.
This treaty is decisive in enforcing the 30×30 pledge (protecting 30% of ocean, land and coastal areas by 2030).
National governments still need to formally adopt and ratify this agreement.