While 60 countries are expected to sign the global pact to conserve biodiversity on the high seas, it still needs to be ratified on a national level before it goes into effect
A new UN treaty to protect the world’s oceans is expected to be signed by dozens of countries on Wednesday, September 20, another step in the efforts to reverse the damage done to fragile marine environments by overfishing and other human activities.
At least 60 countries are expected to sign the agreement at the annual United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday. However, it still needs to be ratified on a national level before it goes into effect. “But this signing is a purely symbolic moment,” he said. “Now politicians must bring the treaty home and ensure it is ratified in record time.”
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature estimates that $500 million in funding will be required to kickstart the treaty, and a special implementation and capacity-building fund could require another $100 million per year.