The international community has taken a significant step towards preserving the lifeblood of our planet with the approval of a landmark treaty aimed at protecting the oceans. These vast bodies of water are not only responsible for producing half of Earth’s oxygen supply but also serve as vital allies in combating climate change and host incredibly rich ecosystems. However, they are increasingly threatened by pollution, overfishing, and the looming danger of deep-sea mining. This week’s approval of an international treaty to safeguard these waters has been met with celebration by environmental advocates.
Global Effort for Ocean Conservation
The proposal was put forth at the United Nations (UN) with the goal of shielding marine life from further harm. To transition from proposal to active international law, at least 60 countries needed to ratify the agreement—a milestone achieved this Friday (19th) with the addition of Morocco and Sierra Leone.
This new law targets the protection of waters beyond countries’ exclusive economic zones. “Covering more than two-thirds of the ocean, the agreement establishes binding rules to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity,” stated UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to AFP. Until this treaty, merely 1% of the high seas had legal safeguards in place.
The treaty is set to come into force in 120 days, specifically in January of the coming year. Nonetheless, Lisa Speer, who oversees the International Oceans Program at the US-based Natural Resources Defense Council, believes that the first protected areas will likely only be established by the end of 2028 or the beginning of 2029.
Brazil’s Pending Ratification
- The international law’s approval may expedite discussions on ocean protection in Brazil.
- Although the country has pledged to ratify the agreement, it has yet to sign the treaty.
- The text was endorsed by the Chamber of Deputies last week and is currently awaiting review by the Senate.
- Brazil’s participation seems imminent, but the absence of other nations raises concerns.
- Russia, for instance, deems certain aspects of the treaty unacceptable.
- The United States committed to ocean protection during Joe Biden’s presidency, but it is uncertain whether Donald Trump would uphold these promises if he were to return to office.
The treaty’s ratification by Brazil would represent a significant stride in the global effort to protect the oceans, given the country’s substantial coastline and marine biodiversity. However, the political landscape in other key nations remains a hurdle. With the ratification now a reality, the world watches in anticipation as the treaty’s provisions begin to take hold, promising a new era of conservation for our shared oceans.
Source: UOL
