High Seas Treaty enters into force after decades of negotiations - Oceanographic

The High Seas Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, has officially entered into force, marking a significant milestone for global ocean protection. The treaty establishes a legal framework to protect biodiversity in international waters for the first time, creating tools for the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) and setting obligations for sustainable use of ocean resources. Environmental NGOs have welcomed the treaty as a crucial step towards achieving global biodiversity and climate goals, including the target to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. However, challenges remain as major countries like the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, India, Argentina, and Indonesia have not yet ratified the treaty, highlighting the need for broader participation and swift implementation to ensure real protection for the ocean.