bbc.com
High Seas Treaty Becomes International Law, Protecting 30% of Ocean by 2030
After two decades of negotiations and achieving 60 ratifications, the High Seas Treaty will become international law in January 2024, protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030.
- How will the treaty address the challenges of protecting the high seas?
- The treaty facilitates the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in 30% of international waters by 2030. While countries will propose and assess these MPAs, a collaborative, international voting process will be used, although it leaves the final decision with each country.
- What is the immediate impact of the High Seas Treaty coming into force?
- The treaty, effective January 2024, establishes legally binding rules for conserving marine biodiversity in international waters, covering over two-thirds of the ocean. This marks a significant step towards protecting marine life threatened by overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
- What are the long-term implications and potential challenges of this treaty?
- The treaty's success hinges on effective implementation and international cooperation. Potential challenges include the self-assessment of environmental impacts by countries and the potential for conflicts over the use of protected areas. However, the treaty's potential for biodiversity recovery and its contribution to the global economy are substantial.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a largely positive framing of the High Seas Treaty, highlighting its significance as a "monumental achievement" and emphasizing the collaborative efforts of nations. The positive quotes from environmental organizations and UN officials are prominently featured. While acknowledging challenges in protecting the high seas, the article focuses on the treaty's potential to reverse damage to marine life and conserve biodiversity. The headline itself likely contributes to this positive framing. However, the inclusion of criticism regarding the treaty's implementation process (countries conducting their own EIAs and making final decisions) offers a degree of balance, although this is placed towards the end of the article.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and celebratory, employing terms like "monumental achievement," "landmark moment," and "positive catalyst." While these terms accurately reflect the enthusiasm of environmental groups, they could be perceived as somewhat loaded. More neutral alternatives could include significant progress, major step forward, or important development. The use of "exploitation and destruction" in the quote from Greenpeace could also be considered emotionally charged. Overall, the tone is optimistic but avoids overly inflammatory language.
Bias by Omission
While the article comprehensively covers the treaty's significance and the challenges involved, it might benefit from including diverse perspectives beyond those of environmental organizations and government officials. For instance, it could incorporate viewpoints from fishing industries or other stakeholders who might have concerns about the treaty's potential impacts on their livelihoods. The economic aspects of marine protection, beyond the stated $2.5 trillion contribution, could also be explored further. The article touches on potential criticisms but doesn't delve into the specifics of these concerns or the counterarguments.
Sustainable Development Goals
The High Seas Treaty directly addresses the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, a core tenet of SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The treaty aims to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, significantly contributing to the reversal of ocean degradation and the preservation of marine life. The article highlights the treaty's potential to mitigate threats such as overfishing and pollution, which are major contributors to the decline of marine ecosystems. The positive impact is further emphasized by the numerous quotes from environmental organizations celebrating the treaty as a monumental achievement for ocean conservation.