Nations ratify world's first treaty to protect international waters
France 24 · Just In
France 24
Just In
The high seas will soon have their own Conference of the Parties (COP). This new body will oversee the implementation of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, which is scheduled to enter into force in early 2026 after the legally required 120-day period.
Breakdown
- Sixty countries have ratified a UN treaty to protect the high seas. 6s
- The treaty introduces marine protected areas to safeguard biodiversity. 25s
- Currently, only 1% of the high seas are under conservation measures. 31s
- The treaty requires countries to estimate their impact on the seabed before activities. 1m 16s
- The agreement is seen as a major step in improving ocean governance. 56s