Faros Accelerator’s Post

The majority of Earth’s marine ecosystems are out in the high seas — remote areas beyond the jurisdiction of single countries and shared by the world. The high seas remain some of the least-explored environments on the planet. Up to 10km (6.2 miles) deep and home to a myriad of underwater landscapes and intricate ecosystems that keep the natural world in motion, they are as remarkable as they are vast. As of today, only 1% of the high seas are protected by law. But, in March 2023 the United Nations agreed the High Seas Treaty that will help tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis, ensure greater equity for developing countries and safeguard international food security needs. This new Treaty will be able to establish high seas marine protected areas (MPAs) where no harmful industrial activities are allowed, as well as establish specialised ocean governance requirements and bodies to strengthen the management of human activities in these waters. Now 60 countries need to ratify the Treaty for it to enter into force and be implemented.

🌊 Great ocean news! Palau is the first country to officially ratify a “once-in-a-lifetime” treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). This treaty essentially provides a clear pathway for countries to establish meaningful protections for the two-thirds of the ocean that is the high seas—especially through the legal framework for creating highly protected, cross-sector marine protected areas (MPAs) in these international waters. This potential MPA network, upon enactment, can aid nations in achieving the “30 by 30” global ocean target—known as the 30 by 30 target. 

Have you heard of the High Seas Treaty? 🌊 The main goal of this landmark agreement is to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine life in areas beyond national territories. 🐠 It is significant because it fills a gap in international law. Previously, there was no framework for protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond state control. ⚖️ On this World Oceans Day, we urge countries globally to ratify the High Seas Treaty to address the pressing challenges facing our world’s oceans. 🌍 Learn more here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eTR-DME6 #HighSeasTreaty #WorldOceansDay #MarineConservation #ProtectOurPlanet #GlobalAction #MarineLife #OceanProtection High Seas Alliance

"Since it was adopted at the UN on 19 June 2023, 89 countries have signed the High Seas Treaty, thereby expressing their intention to proceed to ratification, and four have ratified it: Palau, Chile Belize and Seychelles. A further 56 countries must ratify the Treaty before it enters into force and becomes the world’s first international law to mandate the conservation and management of biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions (BBNJ) by enabling the establishment of High Seas marine protected areas, and regulating potentially harmful activities through comprehensive environmental impact assessments." High Seas Alliance #highseastreaty https://lnkd.in/gYQMXYgd

Yesterday marked the 1-year anniversary of the historic #HighSeasTreaty being formally adopted by UN Member States. The High Seas Treaty is the world’s first cohesive, international, and legally binding framework to specifically protect high seas biodiversity. Our #HighSeasAmbassadors are working hard to build the public and political momentum needed to advance Treaty ratification across the globe. ⏰ 🐙❗Learn more about the #RaceforRatification: https://lnkd.in/eWXFmuEa

With Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ announcement of a ban on trawling in marine protected areas, Greece has taken a decisive step towards protecting its marine ecosystems. The declaration was made during the Our Ocean conference last April, marking an important turning point in the country’s environmental policy. The Greek premier declared that trawling will be banned in all national marine parks by 2026, with an extension of the ban to all protected ocean areas by 2030. This makes Greece the first European nation to take such a strong measure for marine conservation. Mitsotakis also announced an investment of EUR 780 million for the protection of marine biodiversity, with the goal of safeguarding 30 per cent of territorial waters by 2030. #greece #meditarranean #blueeconomy #bluetransformation

🎉 Incredible News! 🎉 Breaking waves of progress in ocean conservation! The European Parliament has just made a monumental decision at 13:00 CET today by voting in favor of the EU ratification of the High Seas Treaty! 🌊✍️ This significant step marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards securing a healthier future for our oceans. The High Seas Treaty, aimed at safeguarding biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, has received a resounding endorsement from the European Parliament, amplifying the collective voice for marine protection. This decision underscores the commitment of EU lawmakers towards global environmental stewardship and sustainability. 🌍💙 What's next? The ball now moves to the Council for formal adoption, paving the way for the EU to officially deposit its "instrument of ratification" at the United Nations (UN). While this step alone doesn't constitute ratification, it sets the stage for individual EU member states to follow suit and ratify en masse, amplifying the treaty's impact worldwide. 🌐🤝 The High Seas Alliance, along with advocates for sustainable development (#SDG14), biodiversity conservation (#CBD), and ocean preservation (#DOALOS), celebrates this momentous achievement. Together, we're advancing towards a more resilient and thriving marine ecosystem, in line with international commitments and the vision for a sustainable future. 🌊🌿 Let's continue riding this wave of momentum, championing ocean conservation efforts, and ensuring that our blue planet remains a vibrant and flourishing home for generations to come! 🌊🌎 #BBNJ #HighSeasTreaty #EU #OceanConservation #Sustainability 🙁

I am happy to share my latest paper on the #BBNJ agreement, just out for ODIL as open access, titled "After the Dust Settles: Selected Considerations about the New Treaty on Marine Biodiversity in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction with Respect to ABMTs and MPAs" https://lnkd.in/dR-7x3gu

The BBNJ Agreement, also known as the “High Seas Treaty,” falls under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It addresses the protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas through international cooperation and sustainable practices. The agreement prohibits sovereign rights over high seas resources and promotes the fair sharing of benefits, an inclusive ecosystem-centric approach, and the use of traditional and scientific knowledge. It also aims to minimize environmental impacts and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). #marine #biodiversity #unclos #sdg #lifebelowwater

Marine conservation is essential for maintaining ocean #biodiversity and combating pollution that threatens vital ecosystems. Projects such as "Praia Limpa" and the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been pivotal in safeguarding marine life and restoring degraded environments. These programs are crucial for protecting endangered species and ensuring the health of the seas for future generations. The Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), through its Institute of Marine Sciences (Labomar), plays an important role in this mission. By conducting in-depth research and monitoring programs, UFC helps to better understand the impacts of human activities on the oceans and develop effective conservation strategies. The data gathered is used to guide public policies and more effective preservation actions. Besides many academic initiatives, the Ministry of the Environment also supports marine conservation in Ceará with various actions and regulations. The collaboration between academic institutions and governmental entities strengthens efforts to protect our #marine resources and combat pollution, promoting a #sustainable balance between development and environmental preservation. Posted by Gabriel Schmid, Manoel Matos and Sofya Damasceno Follow and Share #CearáGlobal