Global ocean protection efforts highlighted
The third in underscores the urgent need for nations to convert long-standing promises into actionable ocean conservation, with only 2.7% of the ocean currently protected from destructive activities.
Central to the conference is the ratification of the , aimed at establishing marine protected areas in international waters, a move seen as crucial for biodiversity and climate crisis mitigation.
Challenges and commitments in ocean conservation
Despite declarations of marine protection, real-world enforcement and management remain weak, with critics highlighting the gap between protected status and actual conservation efforts, such as industrial activities in France's marine protected areas.
The conference also serves as a platform for countries to announce new marine protected areas and bans on destructive activities, with hopes to build momentum for the High Seas Treaty ratification to enhance global ocean protection efforts.