The High seas finally getting some protection! The legally binding pact to conserve and ensure the sustainable use of ocean biodiversity was under discussion for 15 years.
After extensive discussions, the United Nations member states have finally reached a consensus on the text of the first-ever international treaty aimed at safeguarding the high seas. This vast and precious marine ecosystem covers nearly half of our planet, making the agreement a crucial step in its conservation.
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The conference chair, Rena Lee, announced the momentous occasion at the UN headquarters in New York amid cheers from the attending delegates. Lee, who is Singapore’s Ambassador for Oceans and Law of the Sea Issues and Special Envoy of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, declared that the ship has finally reached the shore.
It has taken over 15 years of discussions, including four years of formal negotiations, but the long-awaited consensus on the first-ever international treaty to safeguard the high seas has finally been achieved. This is the third and presumably, the final negotiating session in less than a year. The agreement comes as a major boost for conservationists and governments alike, who have been working to achieve the goal of conserving 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030. This was set out in a historic accord signed in Montreal in December by world leaders.
The delegates engaged in intense discussions for two weeks at the UN headquarters in New York, culminating in a marathon overnight session from Friday into Saturday. They managed to finalize a text that cannot be significantly altered, marking a significant milestone in the conservation of our planet’s natural resources.
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