"WASHINGTON — For the first time, United Nations members have agreed on a unified treaty to protect biodiversity in the high seas, representing a turning point in a yearslong effort to bestow order on vast stretches of the planet where conservation has previously been hampered by a confusing patchwork of laws.
The U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea came into force in 1994, before marine biodiversity was a well-established concept. The treaty agreement concluded two weeks of talks in New York.
An updated framework to protect marine life in the regions outside national boundary waters, known as the high seas, had been in discussions for more than 20 years, but previous efforts to reach an agreement had repeatedly stalled. The unified agreement treaty, which applies to nearly half the planet’s surface, was reached late Saturday.
“We only really have two major global commons — the atmosphere and the oceans,” said Georgetown marine biologist Rebecca Helm. While the oceans may draw less attention, “protecting this half of earth’s surface is absolutely critical to the health of our planet.”"
Christina Larson and Patrick Whittle report for the Associated Press March 4, 2023.
SEE ALSO:
"Nations Agree on Language for Historic Treaty to Protect Ocean Life" (New York Times)
"Nations Agree On ‘World-Changing’ Deal To Protect Ocean Life" (Washington Post)
"Nations Secure U.N. Global High Seas Biodiversity Pact" (Reuters)
"High Seas Treaty: Historic Deal To Protect International Waters Finally Reached at UN" (Guardian)
