High Seas Treaty

The UN High Seas Treaty is a landmark international agreement designed to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, also known as the high seas. It aims to safeguard an estimated 10 million species from threats like climate change, overfishing, and deep-sea mining. The treaty is newsworthy because it is due to come into force after being ratified by 81 governments, surpassing the required threshold for implementation. This follows a period where China has proposed hosting the treaty's secretariat, signaling a proactive role in shaping international environmental governance, particularly as the US withdraws from various UN bodies and international agreements. The treaty's entry into force signifies a major step towards global cooperation in preserving marine ecosystems and addressing the challenges facing the high seas, highlighting its current relevance in a world grappling with environmental degradation and shifting geopolitical dynamics.