Historic UN High Seas Treaty finally signed

On June 19, the United Nations took a small step for man, a giant leap for mankind. The first international treaty to protect the High Seas was signed.

The treaty aims to protect the oceans from the threats they face. Sixty countries have already signed the treaty including Japan, members of European Union, India, Mexico, Chile and others.

It should apply to the High Sea in the area beyond the EEZ, 370km from the coast. Seabed and subsoil will also be included.

The treaty’s main tool is the creation of MPA’s. These zones will be sanctuaries designed to protect endangered or particularly important species.

In this way, the High Seas Treaty will protect 60% of the ocean. Previously, only 1% of the ocean was subject to conservaion measures. These actions follow the commitment made last December in Montreal to protect 30% of the Earth.

Another measure : the equitable sharing of marine genetic resources. We are talking here about resources such as scientific data or profits from their trade. This measure was a major victory for developping countries, which do not necessarily have the capacity to carry out commercialization.