UN reaches historic agreement to protect the world’s oceans

On the 4th of March 2023, the countries of the world finally reached an agreement to protect the environment in the world's oceans. The agreement creates global rules to limit environmental impact and create marine protected areas in the high seas, which make up 95 percent of the world's ocean volume. The new High Seas Treaty will be critical to protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030, which was decided during last year's UN Biodiversity Conference, COP15.

The process of adopting a global agreement to protect marine areas beyond national jurisdiction began about 15 years ago. As EU chairman, Sweden has led the negotiations for the EU and its member states together with the European Commission. The agreement contributes to the goals in Agenda 2030's SDG 14 to sustainably manage marine ecosystems, protect vulnerable parts of the world's oceans, limit pollution and promote capacity and technology building in developing countries. 

Ratification of the agreement
The agreement is expected to be formally adopted by the UN in June 2023. When 60 states have ratified the agreement, it will enter into force and work on creating marine protected areas can begin.