The United Nations High Seas Treaty, a groundbreaking international agreement to safeguard marine ecosystems beyond national jurisdictions, officially entered force this weekend. Covering nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans, the treaty establishes a legal framework for conserving biodiversity and regulating human activities in previously ungoverned waters.
Adopted in 2023 after 20 years of negotiations, the treaty represents a historic collaboration among over 100 nations. It addresses critical challenges such as overfishing, deep-sea mining, and pollution while promoting equitable resource sharing. Environmental groups have hailed it as a “turning point” for ocean sustainability, though enforcement mechanisms remain under scrutiny.
Asian nations, including coastal states and island territories, are expected to play pivotal roles in implementing the treaty. Analysts highlight its potential to bolster regional cooperation on fisheries management and climate resilience across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
