Скачать или смотреть Navigating the High Seas Treaty: A Year in Review

Andrew Lewin is joined by Nichola Clark, director of the Ocean Governance Team, to discuss the progress made since the High Seas Treaty was agreed upon a year ago. They explore what still needs to be done to bring about ocean conservation beyond national boundaries.

Tune in to learn about the journey towards ratification and enforcement of this crucial treaty for high seas conservation.

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The High Seas Treaty, also known as the Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, is a significant international agreement aimed at promoting ocean conservation in areas beyond national jurisdiction. These areas cover two-thirds of the ocean and nearly half of the planet's surface, making them crucial for global marine biodiversity protection.

The treaty addresses the need to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity in these vast oceanic regions, which have been historically challenging to manage due to the lack of clear regulations and governance mechanisms. By focusing on the high seas, the treaty seeks to establish marine protected areas and implement environmental impact assessments to mitigate potential harm to the marine environment.

Representing a pivotal moment in international ocean governance, the High Seas Treaty provides a framework for countries to collaborate and make decisions regarding the conservation of these critical marine areas. Its provisions include establishing area-based management tools, such as marine protected areas, to contribute to the global goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.

The treaty also addresses issues related to marine genetic resources and access and benefit sharing, highlighting the importance of equitable governance and fair distribution of benefits derived from marine discoveries. Additionally, it emphasizes capacity building and technology transfer to ensure all countries can actively participate in its implementation.

Moving forward, the focus will be on ratifying the treaty and working towards its entry into force. Countries are expected to engage in awareness-raising activities, consult with stakeholders, and establish the necessary institutional frameworks to support the treaty's implementation. Efforts will also be made to identify priority areas for conservation, such as the Selly Gomez and Nazca Ridges in the South Pacific, to begin the process of safeguarding these ecologically significant high seas regions.

The process of ratifying the High Seas Treaty involves several key steps to ensure the treaty's successful implementation. One crucial aspect is awareness-raising, which aims to inform relevant stakeholders about the treaty's content, goals, and implications. This step is essential to garner support and understanding from governments, organizations, and individuals involved in ocean governance.

Consultation with stakeholders is another vital component of the ratification process. The treaty emphasizes the importance of engaging with various groups, including governments, coastal states, civil society, indigenous communities, and scientific experts. By seeking input and feedback from these diverse stakeholders, the decision-making process becomes more inclusive and reflective of different perspectives and interests.

Institution building plays a significant role in establishing the necessary bodies for decision-making and compliance with the High Seas Treaty. The treaty outlines the creation of specific committees and bodies, such as the Conference of Parties, scientific advisory bodies, and implementation compliance committees. These institutions are crucial for overseeing the implementation of the treaty, monitoring compliance, and addressing any issues that may arise during the conservation efforts in the high seas.

The preparatory committee meetings serve as a platform for discussing key decisions and preparations for the treaty's entry into force. These meetings bring together representatives from member states, organizations, and experts to address critical issues, plan strategies, and ensure a smooth transition towards implementing the treaty's provisions. By engaging in these preparatory discussions, stakeholders can align their priorities, address potential challenges, and lay the groundwork for effective conservation efforts in the high seas.

The identification of priority sites for marine protected areas is a proactive step towards conservation efforts in the high seas. Organizations like the High Seas Coalition are already working on securing...