Morocco's Ratification Paves Way for Historic Ocean Protection Treaty to Come into Force

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, is set to become international law after receiving its 60th ratification by Morocco on Friday. The treaty will now take effect from January, marking a significant milestone in the fight against ocean degradation. According to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the agreement sets "binding rules to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity" covering more than two-thirds of the world's oceans. Environmentalists have hailed the development as a "monumental achievement," highlighting the potential for countries to work together on environmental protection. The treaty has been decades in the making, with negotiations beginning in 2004. It aims to establish a framework for international waters to be placed into marine protected areas, helping to reverse the damage caused by overfishing, pollution from shipping, and climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that nearly 10 marine species are at risk of extinction. The treaty's ratification process has been a long and complex one, with countries struggling to reach consensus on key issues such as access to genetic resources and the sharing of benefits from their use. However, the final hurdle was cleared when Morocco deposited its instrument of ratification on Friday, bringing the total number of signatories to 60. The treaty's implementation will be overseen by a new body established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The body will work with countries to develop and implement national plans for marine protected areas, as well as provide technical assistance and capacity-building programs. Environmental groups have welcomed the development, with Greenpeace describing it as "a major victory for the ocean and its defenders." However, some critics have expressed concerns about the treaty's potential impact on economic development in coastal communities. The High Seas Treaty is set to take effect from January 2024, marking a new era of international cooperation on ocean conservation. As the world's oceans continue to face unprecedented threats, the treaty's implementation will be closely watched by environmentalists and policymakers alike. Background: The High Seas Treaty was negotiated under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and aims to establish a framework for international waters to be placed into marine protected areas. The treaty has been endorsed by 60 countries, including Morocco's ratification on Friday. Additional Perspectives: "This is a monumental achievement that demonstrates what can be achieved when countries work together towards a common goal," said Greenpeace International Executive Director, Jennifer Morgan. "The High Seas Treaty is an important step forward in protecting the world's oceans and promoting sustainable development," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Current Status: The treaty will take effect from January 2024, marking a new era of international cooperation on ocean conservation. The implementation process will be overseen by a new body established under UNCLOS, which will work with countries to develop and implement national plans for marine protected areas. *Reporting by Bbc.*