Save Our Seas: UN Treaty Tackles Conservation and Biodiversity

“The ocean is the lifeblood of our planet,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Photo by Giorgia Doglioni on Unsplash.

“Dozens of nations to sign UN ocean treaty but implementation still awaits,” reported Reuters on September 20, 2023.

“A new UN treaty to protect the world’s oceans is expected to be signed by dozens of countries on Wednesday, another step in the efforts to reverse the damage done to fragile marine environments by overfishing and other human activities,” continued the outlet.

Despite this encouraging sign, progress has been stalled. And while this treaty may have breathed new life into efforts to conserve the world’s oceans, much work remains to be done.

“The global pact to conserve biodiversity on the high seas was finally agreed in March and formally adopted by the United Nations in June,” reported Reuters. “It is seen as a crucial tool to meet a target agreed last year to protect 30% of the earth’s land and sea by 2030, known as “30 by 30”.”

“At least 60 countries are expected to sign the agreement at the annual United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday. However, it still needs to be ratified on a national level before it goes into effect.”

In June, the UN declared this “high seas” treaty “critical for the world.”