The high seas account for half of the Earth’s surface, or two thirds of the planet’s total ocean area. They hold incredible biodiversity—around 2 million unidentified species—and provide essential ecosystem services, such as seafood, genetic resources, air purification, climate regulation and waste treatment. More than 70 countries want to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. Yet only around 1.2% of the high seas are currently protected. Unfortunately, diplomats meeting at the UN in New York have failed (at their fifth attempt) to agree on a high seas treaty.
In this interview for TRT World I explain why having a global ocean treaty is so significant.Â
More on the ocean economy:
- Attending the 10th Our Ocean Conference in Busan
- Earth Day 2025: Marine Conservation Society launches Big Give appeal to keep “forever chemicals” out of ocean, forever
- How to shape global standards for blue data, technology and capacity building
- Speaking about the zero-pollution ocean, the Global Plastics Treaty and global standards for blue data at the World Ocean Summit
- Speaking at Economist Impact’s 12th annual World Ocean Summit & Expo in Tokyo