International waters, covering 61% of the ocean, are vital for life's balance but are seriously threatened by over-exploitation and climate change. Despite the adoption of the UN High Seas Treaty in 2023 aiming to increase protections, procedural hurdles delay its full effect. Less than 1% of these waters are currently protected, with urgent calls for safeguarding 30% by 2030 under the Global Biodiversity Framework. The situation demands immediate attention as irreversible changes loom over aquatic ecosystems, stressing the necessity of decisive action and cooperation among nations during critical meetings like the UN Ocean Conference in Nice.
"International waters, which account for 61% of the ocean, are crucial for Earth's biosphere but are currently at high risk from climate change and human activities."
"The High Seas Treaty aims to enhance protections in international waters, yet faces challenges like requiring ratification by 60 countries and dealing with inadequate data."
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