Groundbreaking International Water Protection Treaty Set to Take Effect in January After 60 Countries Ratify: Key Impacts for Climate and Environment | LNG Updates from Northern BC

Exciting news for our oceans! An important agreement has received the 60 necessary ratifications, enabling it to take effect. This has been a long-awaited moment for environmental activists focused on marine biodiversity. Adopted in June 2023, this treaty is a critical step toward creating protective measures for international waters.

These waters lie beyond any nation’s control. Until now, there’s been no clear regulation for activities taking place in these global areas. With the treaty, nations can work together to ensure better environmental safeguards.

The breakthrough happened just in time for the United Nations General Assembly. On September 19, countries like Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, and Morocco confirmed their ratifications, pushing the total to 60. The treaty will officially come into play in 120 days, marking a significant achievement for global efforts to safeguard our oceans.

Rebecca Hubbard from the Alta Sea Alliance called this a historical moment, a result of dedicated global diplomacy. Although there was hope for this ratification at a summit in Nice earlier in June, the lengthy legislative processes in many countries delayed it. “This treaty shows what we can achieve together for the oceans, which cover over 70% of our planet,” she stated.

However, event unfolds in a challenging atmosphere for global cooperation. Populism is rising, especially in the U.S., where former President Donald Trump has hinted at exploiting ocean resources, sparking concern from various nations.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) supports this treaty, known as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). Their goal is to create a legally binding framework for protected marine areas, aiming to conserve 30% of the oceans by 2030. After nearly two decades of discussions, the treaty was finally ratified, with Palau being the first to sign on.

Though 60 countries have ratified the treaty, 82 additional nations have signed it, indicating their intent to join. Hubbard explained that this marks the beginning of a longer process. The initial conference for treaty parties will be set for 2026, a venue for proposing marine reserves and their management rules.

Kirsten Schuijt, director of WWF International, described this as a monumental achievement for ocean conservation. Similarly, Dr. Katie Matthews, chief scientist at Oceana, emphasized the need for rapid action in implementing the treaty. She highlighted that the health of the oceans—and the billions who rely on them for food and climate stability—depends on what happens next.

This agreement represents a turning point for approximately two-thirds of the world’s oceans, now under some form of international governance. It’s a pivotal moment, one that brings hope for a better, more sustainable future for our oceans.

For more details on this significant agreement, you can read the full article on El País: source.

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