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.
More on the ocean economy:
- Moderating a keynote and panel discussion at Oceanology International
- Moderating several sessions at the World Ocean Summit in Montréal
- Ocean Observation is Financial Infrastructure
- Blue Finance for Urban Coastal Resilience: From Narrative to Structure
- Speaking about blue financing for urban coastal resilience at Mumbai Climate Week