The treaty provides a global legal framework for establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) in the high seas, which is defined as all saltwater ocean that is not part of the territorial sea or internal waters of a state. Essentially, this means all international waters.
The treaty will significantly increase the proportion of the high seas that are protected as MPAs from around 1 percent to 30 percent. Under the treaty, activities in MPAs will need to undergo a rigorous environmental impact assessment to ensure undertakings have nature positive outcomes and consider their impact on Indigenous Peoples and local communities. The treaty also creates a regime to regulate growing interest in marine genetic resources found in the ocean for cosmetics and medical products.
It is hoped the treaty will also help limit exploration for deep-sea mining projects, commercial fishing activities and positively impact shipping routes. This would help to preserve habitat used by migrating marine creatures like dolphins and whales for feeding and breeding.
The European Union has pledged financial support offering 40 million euros (around A$62 million) to assist with the ratification of the treaty as well as US$860 million (around A$1,270 million) to support monitoring, research, and conservation of oceans in 2023.
This an important step towards the 30×30 target discussed in Montreal at the UN’s Biodiversity Conference COP 15. The target aims to protect 30 per cent of the world’s land and ocean by 2030.
“Australians know how important marine protected areas are in our own country – sanctuaries for marine life to grow and flourish,” said Tanya Plibersek Minister for the Environment and Water.
“This treaty puts a framework in place to establish Marine Protected Areas in the high seas, leading to stronger protections for oceans around the world.”
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