The first international treaty for the protection of the high seas, a great challenge for the preservation of our oceans

After 15 years of discussions, the Member States of the United Nations agreed on March 4 on the first international treaty to protect the high seas, intended to counter the threats to vital ecosystems for humanity. .

>> Biodiversity, resources, climate… The challenges of the treaty on the protection of the high seas, negotiated at the United Nations

The high seas, this oceanic zone which does not belong to any State, covers more than half of the surface of the planet and hides gigantic resources in its depths, which arouse covetousness. Because some areas are now considered entirely dead zones: 400 areas across all our oceans. Twenty years ago, only 150 areas lacked oxygen.

The objective of this international treaty: to protect these marine areas which are not protected today. Receptacle of all our ways of life. Our oceans are acidifying, only 1% of the high seas is subject to conservation measures. With this agreement, beyond the distance of 370 kilometers from the coast, the exclusive economic zone of the States, the rules of the UN, will apply. In all, 30% of the oceans will be protected.