ratifications must be accelerated, plead NGOs

The text, formally adopted in June, was signed by 85 states, but ratified by only two, the Palau Islands and Chile.

A call to go faster. Ocean defenders are pleading for the acceleration of ratifications of the treaty to protect the high seas, Friday March 1, one year after the approval of the historic text by UN member states. This treaty aims to protect marine ecosystems vital to humanity, but threatened by multiple pollution.

At the beginning of March last year, after more than 15 years of discussions, the text was finalized, before being formally adopted in June. Since then, it has been signed by 85 states, but ratified by only two, Palau and Chile. “Other countries have started the ratification process, but they are moving too slowly”lamented Laura Meller of Greenpeace in a press release. “Many governments present themselves as ocean defenders. We expect them to follow the lead of Chile and Palau so that the treaty comes to life and the real work to protect the oceans can begin.”

The treaty can enter into force 120 days after being ratified by 60 states, an objective that NGOs hope to see achieved in 2025. “We welcome the progress in the race for ratification”, commented Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance NGO coalition. The treaty gave “hope to citizens across the world waiting for world leaders to act”but “time is against us”she warned.

“Last year’s record ocean temperatures are a wake-up call: world leaders must turn their words into law so we can save the ocean we share.”

Rebecca Hubbard, director of the High Seas Alliance NGO coalition

The high seas begin where the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of states end, a maximum of 200 nautical miles (370 km) from the coast. It is therefore not under the jurisdiction of any State. It represents almost half of the planet and more than 60% of the oceans, but it has long been ignored in the environmental fight.

The new treaty provides for the creation of marine protected areas. Today, only about 1% of the high seas are subject to conservation measures.