nos.nl
High Seas Treaty enters into force in January 2024
The High Seas Treaty, aiming to protect marine biodiversity in international waters, will enter into force in January 2024 after Marocco became the 60th country to ratify it.
- What are the key challenges in implementing the High Seas Treaty?
- A major challenge is the lack of an international enforcement body; compliance relies on individual states. Furthermore, significant fishing nations like China, Russia, and Japan have yet to ratify the treaty, potentially undermining its effectiveness. The treaty's success hinges on these countries' participation and their commitment to enforcement.
- What is the main impact of the High Seas Treaty entering into force?
- The treaty establishes legally binding rules for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in international waters, covering more than two-thirds of the ocean. This aims to counteract threats such as overfishing, climate change, and deep-sea mining, which have previously lacked sufficient regulation.
- What are the long-term implications of this treaty for ocean health and global climate?
- The treaty's success could significantly improve the health of the oceans and contribute to climate change mitigation, as the high seas absorb heat and produce half of the world's oxygen. However, the full impact will depend on global cooperation and effective enforcement by participating nations. The treaty's potential to safeguard nearly 10 percent of marine life currently threatened with extinction remains significant.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the High Seas Treaty, highlighting both the positive aspects (potential for ocean protection) and the challenges (lack of ratification by major powers, absence of an international enforcement body). The introductory paragraph clearly states the treaty's purpose and imminent activation. While the inclusion of quotes from Greenpeace International and IUCN leans towards a positive framing, the article also acknowledges potential issues with enforcement and the uncertainty of the treaty's effectiveness. The use of phrases like "undermine" and the mention of large countries not yet ratifying suggests a cautious optimism, not an overtly biased presentation.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Words like "crucial," "mijlpale" (translated as milestone), and "uitbuiting en vernietiging" (exploitation and destruction) are descriptive but don't inherently carry strong bias. The quotes from organizations like Greenpeace are clearly identified as such. While the description of the treaty as a 'milestone' is slightly positive, this can be considered a fair assessment given the long history and significance of the agreement.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including a more in-depth discussion of potential downsides or controversies surrounding the treaty. For example, the article mentions potential conflicts with deep sea mining. The specific details regarding such conflicts and discussions on these matters should be explored further. This is a significant omission because this is a vital aspect of the treaty. Also, the article doesn't discuss potential economic impacts on fishing industries, potentially omitting a relevant perspective. However, given space constraints, the omission might be unintentional rather than a deliberate bias.
Sustainable Development Goals
The High Seas Treaty aims to protect and sustainably utilize marine biodiversity in international waters, covering more than two-thirds of the ocean. This directly addresses SDG 14 (Life Below Water), which targets the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. The treaty establishes rules to combat threats like overfishing and deep-sea mining, thus contributing positively to SDG 14 targets.