UN Biodiversity Treaty Targets 30% Ocean Protection by 2030

The United Nations Biodiversity Treaty sets an ambitious global target to safeguard 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. The agreement focuses on expanding marine protected areas, conserving biodiversity in international waters, and promoting sustainable use of ocean resources. By uniting countries under a shared conservation framework, the treaty aims to combat marine ecosystem degradation, address climate impacts, and ensure long-term ocean health for future generations.

The agreement officially crossed the required mark of 60 national ratifications on September 19 last year, triggering a 120-day countdown to its formal enforcement. On Saturday, a historic international pact to protect marine life in the high seas came into force, establishing a legally binding system for countries to confront dangers like overfishing and advance the goal of conserving 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030.

Formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, the deal was concluded in March 2023 after 15 years of complex negotiations. It paves the way for a worldwide network of marine protected areas across vast stretches of international waters that were previously beyond comprehensive regulation.

Adam McCarthy of Australia’s foreign ministry highlighted the scale of the breakthrough, noting that nearly two-thirds of the ocean, covering half the planet’s surface, will now fall under a unified legal framework for the first time. Since reaching the 60-country threshold, the number of ratifications has climbed past 80, with major nations such as China, Brazil, and Japan joining the pact.

Other countries, including United Kingdom and Australia, are expected to ratify soon. The United States signed the agreement under its previous administration but has yet to complete ratification. Rebecca Hubbard of the High Seas Alliance stressed that while 60 ratifications were enough to activate the treaty, universal participation is crucial to ensure it delivers meaningful results. The coalition is urging all UN member states to formally adopt the agreement.

The treaty requires nations to carry out environmental impact assessments for activities that could harm ocean ecosystems. It also introduces systems for sharing benefits derived from the “blue economy,” including valuable marine genetic resources used in sectors like biotechnology. Conservation advocates estimate that more than 190,000 protected marine areas may be needed to meet the “30 by 30” ambition. At present, only around 8 percent of the oceans, roughly 29 million square kilometres, enjoys formal protection.

However, some experts caution that the pact does not address every threat. Deep-sea mining, considered by many to be one of the most pressing risks to marine environments, falls under the authority of the International Seabed Authority rather than this agreement. While ambitious in scope, the treaty operates within clearly defined limits.

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Source: NDTV‍