Global Oceans Treaty Becomes International Law on January 1 After Morocco's Ratification

Key Oceans Treaty Crosses Critical Threshold to Come into Force The High Seas Treaty, a global agreement aimed at protecting the world's oceans and reversing damage to marine life, will become international law on January 1 after receiving its 60th ratification by Morocco on Friday. This milestone marks a significant step towards conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity. "This is a monumental achievement that demonstrates countries can work together for environmental protection," said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "Covering more than two-thirds of the ocean, this agreement sets binding rules to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity." The treaty has been two decades in the making and will pave the way for international waters to be placed into marine protected areas. Environmentalists hailed the development as a major breakthrough, citing the urgent need for action to address the devastating impact of human activities on marine life. "Decades of overfishing, pollution from shipping, and warming oceans due to climate change have taken a toll on marine ecosystems," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on ocean conservation at the University of California. "This treaty is a crucial step towards reversing this damage and ensuring the long-term health of our oceans." The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reported that nearly 10 marine species are at risk of extinction due to human activities. The High Seas Treaty aims to address these issues by establishing binding rules for countries to conserve and manage marine resources. In 2020, countries agreed to establish 30 new marine protected areas around the world, covering over 2 million square kilometers of ocean. This treaty will build on this progress, providing a framework for international cooperation on ocean conservation. The ratification of the High Seas Treaty by Morocco brings the total number of signatories to 60, exceeding the required threshold for the agreement to come into effect. The treaty's implementation will be overseen by the United Nations, which has played a key role in facilitating negotiations and promoting international cooperation on ocean conservation. As the treaty takes effect, countries are expected to begin implementing its provisions, including establishing marine protected areas and developing plans for sustainable fishing practices. Environmental groups are urging governments to take immediate action to address the pressing issues facing the world's oceans. "This is just the beginning," said Dr. Rodriguez. "We need to see swift implementation of the treaty's provisions and a commitment from countries to work together to protect our oceans." The High Seas Treaty marks a significant milestone in global efforts to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity. As the agreement takes effect, it will provide a framework for international cooperation on ocean conservation and help address the pressing issues facing the world's oceans. *Reporting by Bbc.*