Two thirds of our oceans are outside national jurisdictions, and they contain the greatest portion of biodiversity of this planet. 

The adoption of the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty is a historical milestone in terms of protection of the entire ocean, following many years of negotiations and a call for action to induce leaders to ratify and apply the agreements. The High Seas Biodiversity Treaty at last furnishes a mechanism to establish marine protected areas in the portion of the ocean lying outside the jurisdiction of each country. What should happen next, and when will we see the first generation of marine protected areas in the high seas?

Photo: François Baelen