:strip_icc()/s04.video.glbimg.com/x720/11421315.jpg "Understanding the importance of the United Nations Convention for the Protection of Marine Life | world")
Countries sign a historic agreement to protect the oceans
It took two weeks of negotiations to reach an agreement that ended the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The agreement was discussed by the multilateral organization in 1994, before marine biodiversity It was a solid concept.
Laura Miller of Greenpeace declared, “This is a historic day for conservation and a signal that protecting nature and people in a world divided trumps geopolitics.”
Understand, in the themes, the significance of the convention and why it is celebrated:
What’s the deal?
It is a unified treaty between members of the United Nations to protect biodiversity on the high seas. More than 100 countries participated in the negotiations.
The topic, which is dealt with by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, has been paralyzed several times over the years.
Why is the agreement so important?
The last major global agreement of its kind was signed 40 years ago. At that time, the document defined the areas that were on the high seas. In these areas, countries have the right to fish, sail and conduct research, however Only 1.2% of these areas are protected.
Now, the new agreement increases protected areas and puts in place strict controls to protect marine life. (read more below).
What does the agreement say?
- The agreement specifies that at least 30% of the oceans will be protected areas by 2030 (it’s currently only 1.2%). in these areas, Fishing, ship passage and deep-water mining will be strictly controlled;
- It also determined the creation of a new ocean conservation management body;
- Finally, it establishes Basic rules for environmental impact assessment of commercial activities on the oceans, such as fishing and tourism.
The goal is that commercial practices do not jeopardize the long annual migrations of dolphins, whales, sea turtles and fish.
Right now, the laws in force are like a patchwork quilt, confusing and harming the animals and communities that depend on these activities.
What areas do you cover?
The focus of the agreement is on the high seas, which lie outside each country’s national waters. And they are not few: The high seas make up nearly half of the planet’s surface.
High seas are areas located more than 200 nautical miles (370 km) from the coast.
What are the current threats?
Marine life outside protected areas (1.2% of the previous agreement) is at risk from climate change, overfishing and ship traffic.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, 10% of marine species are at risk of extinction.
Additionally, mining has worried environmental groups because it can poison marine life and lead to noise pollution.
What do the experts say
For Georgetown University marine biologist Rebecca Helm, “Protecting this half of the Earth’s surface is critical to the health of our planet.”
said Nicola Clark, ocean expert at Pew Charitable Trusts “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect the oceans — a huge win for biodiversity.”
“This is a historic day for conservation and a signal that protecting nature and people in a divided world trumps geopolitics,” said Laura Miller of Greenpeace.
Is the deal already valid?
not yet. For the agreement to be officially adopted, it must be examined by legal experts and translated into the six official languages of the United Nations.
