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What is the High Seas Treaty?
The High Seas Treaty is an international agreement aimed at establishing marine protected areas in international waters, which cover nearly two-thirds of the world's oceans. Adopted in 2023, the treaty requires 60 ratifications to take effect, and it is crucial for safeguarding marine biodiversity amid rising threats from climate change and overfishing.
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How will the UN conference impact marine biodiversity?
The recent UN Ocean Conference in Nice has led to commitments from world leaders to ratify the High Seas Treaty by September 2025. This is expected to enhance marine biodiversity protection by establishing legally binding frameworks for conservation efforts in international waters, which are currently largely ungoverned.
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What are the main threats to oceans today?
Today, the oceans face several significant threats, including climate change, overfishing, pollution, and deep-sea mining. These issues not only endanger marine life but also disrupt the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems, making comprehensive protection efforts like the High Seas Treaty essential.
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What commitments have world leaders made for ocean protection?
At the UN Ocean Conference, world leaders pledged to ratify the High Seas Treaty and discussed the need for a clear governing framework to facilitate private investment in ocean protection. Despite the challenges, there is a growing consensus on the importance of establishing marine protected areas to combat the threats facing our oceans.
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Why is deep-sea mining controversial?
Deep-sea mining has become a contentious issue, with 36 countries now opposing it due to concerns over its environmental impact. Critics argue that it poses significant risks to marine ecosystems, and the growing opposition reflects a shift in global attitudes towards prioritizing ocean conservation over resource extraction.
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What is the estimated funding needed for ocean protection?
The UN conference yielded around $10 billion in deals for ocean protection, but this amount falls significantly short of the estimated annual need for comprehensive conservation efforts. Experts emphasize the necessity for increased funding and investment to effectively address the challenges facing the world's oceans.