It’s been almost two decades in the making, but this week a global treaty to protect the world’s high seas finally became a reality, bringing hope for marine ecosystems and the people who rely on them.
Scientists, campaigners and coastal communities around the world have long lobbied for the conservation of international waters, less than 1% of which are fully protected.
Not for much longer. This week, the Global Ocean Treaty, which was signed by 84 countries in 2023, passed the threshold to become law after more than 60 nations formally ratified it. It will now enter force early next year.
“This is the most significant victory for ocean protection and restoration I have ever witnessed,” said Ariana Densham, a senior campaigner at Greenpeace. “Campaigners, coastal communities, small-scale fishers, scientists, and ocean lovers everywhere can hold on to this moment as proof that when millions of voices demand change, we can achieve what once seemed like a distant dream.”
The Global Ocean Treaty gives governments a legal framework to protect waters that lie outside of any country’s national boundaries. If fully implemented, the treaty could establish the largest network of ocean sanctuaries in history, Greenpeace said.
Image: David Courbit
