The UN High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement, entered into force on January 17. This agreement establishes a new framework for governing the world's oceans, particularly international waters.
Key Provisions
TheThe treaty enables the creation of protected areas in international waters, similar to national parks. It also outlines methods for sharing genetic materials derived from the high seas and any future profits generated from them.
Ratification Status
The agreement, reached in June 2023, came into effect after Morocco became the 60th country to ratify it in September. Since then, an additional 21 countries have ratified the treaty, and 64 other nations have signed it, indicating a commitment to ratification. Russia has not signed the treaty. The United States signed the treaty in 2023 under the Biden administration but has not yet ratified it.
Limitations
Certain aspects of the treaty, particularly its powers regarding the regulation of fishing in international waters, are subject to further clarification. Additionally, the treaty does not cover seabed mining, as this area is already under the purview of the International Seabed Authority.
Significance
This treaty represents a moment of international cooperation in efforts to protect global oceans, occurring amid heightened geopolitical tensions.