High Seas Treaty to become international law after Morocco ratification

New Delhi, Sep 20: A global agreement to protect the world’s oceans and reverse damage to marine life is set to become international law after Morocco became the 60th country to ratify the High Seas Treaty, the BBC reported.

The treaty will come into effect in January. Two decades in the making, the treaty enables the creation of marine protected areas in international waters, which cover more than two-thirds of the ocean. Currently, just 1 percent of the high seas are protected.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called it a “monumental achievement”, adding: “Covering more than two-thirds of the ocean, the agreement sets binding rules to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity.” Environmental groups welcomed the milestone. WWF’s Director-General Kirsten Schuijt described it as a “turning point” for ocean conservation, while Greenpeace’s Mads Christensen hailed it as “proof that countries can come together to protect our blue planet.” The treaty commits nations to protect 30% of national and international waters by 2030.

Once it takes effect, signatories will begin proposing protected areas, subject to approval by other member countries. The BBC noted that the treaty was ratified in record time compared with other international environmental agreements, which can often take more than five years for sufficient endorsements.