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18 Nations Join High Seas Treaty for Ocean Protection

6/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Eighteen nations have joined the High Seas Treaty at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, raising the total to 49 ratifications. This pivotal agreement seeks to safeguard marine biodiversity in international waters, with a target of 60 ratifications needed by January 2026. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged other countries to act swiftly for our oceans' future.

History

Historical Context

The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) established a comprehensive framework for maritime governance, ratified by 157 countries. The recent High Seas Treaty, finalized in March 2023, aims to protect marine biodiversity in international waters, requiring 60 ratifications to become binding. Currently, 49 countries have ratified, reflecting a growing commitment to ocean conservation amid rising threats to marine ecosystems.

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Story summary

Eighteen nations have joined the High Seas Treaty at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, raising the total to 49 ratifications. This pivotal agreement seeks to safeguard marine biodiversity in international waters, with a target of 60 ratifications needed by January 2026. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged other countries to act swiftly for our oceans' future.

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