The United Nations continued their long-awaited and elusive efforts to craft a treaty to safeguard the world's marine biodiversity at a meeting held Monday in New York. An agreement that protects the world’s oceans and the staggering diversity of life within them is high priority, as some estimates show that over a quarter of marine species will face extinction if current trends continue. The high-level meeting was attended by representatives from over 80 countries as well as members of marine conservation and human rights organizations. In attendance were members of the High Seas Alliance, a global partnership of over 60 civil society organizations that has led the charge in advocating for a global, legally binding agreement to secure the protection of the ocean’s most vulnerable areas. The meeting aimed to build on a previous gathering in March, where delegates agreed to establish two negotiating groups to work on two key components of the treaty: potential regulations and new marine protected areas to conserve marine life. The necessity for a legally binding treaty was brought to light during the meeting. Many legal experts contend that the current patchwork of treaties and international agreements is inadequate for protecting biodiversity in the high seas and that a comprehensive, legally binding agreement is necessary. The official document detailing the negotiations, known as the “zero draft”, outlines the major goals and objectives of the treaty, including the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework to protect marine life and enforce regulations. The zero draft also calls for the adoption of mechanisms to ensure compliance with the treaty and provide for adequate financing for its implementation. It further calls for the designation of Marine Protected Areas and the adoption of regulations for activities such as fishing, shipping, and oil exploration. Although the treaty draft is far from complete, delegates at the meeting expressed optimism that a final agreement could be reached in the near future. Experts also noted that the treaty could serve as a template for similar agreements that protect land-based biodiversity, as well as a guide for other countries as they develop their own domestic policies for ocean protection. The adoption of a treaty would also accelerate international efforts to boost the resilience of marine ecosystems and ensure their continued productivity. Such an agreement would be an essential step in achieving the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Ultimately, the treaty is intended to be a milestone in global efforts to maintain and restore the health of the world’s oceans, both now and in the future. Only with a unified global approach can we ensure the future of marine life and the services they provide to humanity. The United Nations meeting was just the latest step in a long and arduous journey to protect the world's oceans and its incredible biodiversity. Although the final agreement is still far off, there is reason to hope that the treaty might eventually become a reality. With the support of the High Seas Alliance and similar organizations, the United Nations can continue their efforts in crafting a legally binding agreement that can help save our oceans and their inhabitants for future generations.
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/un-ocean-treaty-talks-resume-with-goal-to-save-biodiversity
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