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Daily Maverick
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Africa must capitalise on transformative High Seas Treaty for global ocean conservation
Having shaped the treaty, Africa must capitalise on recent global momentum to benefit from a new era in ocean governance. In June, the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) culminated in an ambitious political declaration that marks a turning point for global ocean governance. The highlight was the progress made in adopting the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement (High Seas Treaty). This landmark agreement tackles governance and regulatory gaps in areas beyond countries' jurisdiction — 64% of the ocean's total surface. These waters are critical to planetary health and human wellbeing, but are often overexploited, polluted and abused due to the lack of an overarching regulatory framework. The treaty fills these gaps by focusing on four pillars: marine genetic resources and benefit sharing; area-based management tools, including marine protected areas; environmental impact assessments; and capacity building and technology transfer. UNOC3 generated significant momentum for the agreement. In the days leading up to the conference, 28 ratifications were lodged and 22 new ratifications took place at UNOC3, bringing the total to 51 out of the 60 required for it to come into force. Overall, 139 countries have signed on to the treaty. Africa's engagement with the process has been both strategic and lacklustre. On the one hand, the African Group of Negotiators shaped the treaty, championing the common heritage of humanity principle in negotiations, and before that, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. On the other hand, only seven out of 55 African countries have officially completed their ratification processes. Kenya and Sierra Leone have ratified, but must still deposit their instruments at the UN. Thirty-four African countries have signed. Still, the threshold of 60 ratifications will probably be reached during September's UN General Assembly meeting. The agreement then enters into force 120 days later on 1 January 2026, allowing time for its translation and publication, and for states to prepare for implementation. Once in force, the first Conference of the Parties is convened. The Conference of the Parties is the decision-making body that oversees the treaty's implementation and development. Obligations under the treaty extend only to countries that have ratified it. Those that haven't — including most African states — risk exclusion from its many benefits. These include decision-making power at the Conference of the Parties, without which countries can't shape key implementation and resource allocation decisions, or designate high seas protected areas. Ratification also gives countries access to benefit-sharing arrangements linked to the exploitation of marine genetic resources. Before the Conference of the Parties, a Preparatory Commission will make recommendations on key procedural and institutional matters. It meets again from 18-29 August in New York. These meetings are open to all UN member states, and African states must attend if they want to shape the processes and institutions created for treaty implementation. Ensuring fair representation and benefit-sharing for African states — particularly regarding marine genetic resources — is essential for the legitimacy and effectiveness of the new high seas governance regime established under the treaty. Countries that have ratified the treaty will receive full access to financial mechanisms established under the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement. To spearhead these efforts, the High Ambition Coalition on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, co-chaired by the European Union (EU), Palau and Seychelles, unites over 40 countries to promote the treaty's rapid ratification and implementation. The coalition shares expertise and fosters global ocean governance cooperation. The International Union for Conservation of Nature is the coalition's secretariat, providing scientific and legal support to help members fulfil the treaty's objectives. It facilitates the €40-million EU-funded Global Ocean Programme to support states' involvement in high seas biodiversity-related processes. Marine Protected Areas Once in force, the Conference of the Parties will operationalise the treaty, establish its institutions and begin designating marine protected areas in the high seas. Several ecologically significant areas adjacent to Africa are likely candidates, including the Walvis Ridge in the Southeast Atlantic and the Saya de Malha Bank midway between the Seychelles and Mauritius. These zones are critical for migratory species, fisheries productivity and ecosystem connectivity. Establishing marine protected areas could benefit biodiversity protection, fisheries sustainability and ecosystem resilience, while supporting coastal communities' livelihoods. African countries can prepare for the post-ratification phase in two ways. First, blue economy and fisheries, environment, science, international relations and maritime security ministries must coordinate, and designated focal points must be empowered. Ocean policies and strategies should be reviewed to align with the treaty's objectives. Some commentators describe the agreement as the first global framework for high seas governance. But several regimes already exist, including regional fisheries management organisations like the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, and organisations like the International Maritime Organisation and International Seabed Authority. However, each has its own sectoral or regional mandates, which leads to governance gaps and overlaps. The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty provides a holistic, legally binding framework that coordinates and strengthens existing regimes. This approach is crucial for designating and managing marine protected areas in international waters. The Conference of the Parties can establish these areas and other tools, but must consult regional fisheries organisations when mandates overlap. States party to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement and these regional bodies must promote the aims of both instruments. Cost of monitoring, surveillance and enforcement The second way African countries can prepare for the treaty's implementation relates to the probable high cost of managing marine protected areas. Strictly protected areas are typically less expensive to administer than multiple-use zones. This is because complexity raises the cost of monitoring, surveillance and enforcement — activities that African countries have traditionally struggled to deliver. One innovative solution is uncrewed surface and underwater vessels, which offer cost-effective, continuous surveillance over vast areas. Still, once a threat is detected, enforcement must follow, and additional responsibilities may be costly. Regional and international cooperation, joint patrols and information sharing will be needed, including activities under the African Union and regional navies' frameworks. That means Africa must develop robust maritime security strategies and enhanced regional cooperation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres told UNOC3 delegates that Africa was at the heart of ocean action. Momentum around the treaty offers African states the chance to influence how the high seas are managed and protected, building on its strong legacy in ocean governance.
Observer
14-07-2025
- General
- Observer
Turning the tide into the right direction for oceans
There's a saying you often hear in coastal communities: 'When the ocean is sick, the land will soon follow.' It might sound like just another old proverb, but in 2025, it has started to feel more real than ever. The ocean covers more than 70 per cent of the Earth's surface. It gives us over half the oxygen we breathe and helps keep our climate in balance by soaking up heat and carbon dioxide. It is home to millions of species. And for more than three billion people, it is a source of food, jobs and income. But despite everything the ocean does for us, we are still harming it. From overfishing and pollution to oil spills and climate change, the pressure keeps piling up. One of the worst practices is bottom trawling, dragging huge nets across the seafloor, which destroys marine life and releases carbon that had been safely stored in the seabed. Coral reefs are also in serious trouble. These underwater ecosystems protect our coastlines and support about a quarter of all marine species. But many are dying fast. All over the world, coastal communities are seeing the signs: fewer fish, bleached corals and beaches covered in plastic. In June 2025, world leaders, scientists and environmentalists met in Nice, France, for the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the event was more than just another big meeting; it was a strong reminder that we need to move faster to save our oceans. One big outcome was the Nice Ocean Action Plan, where countries made voluntary promises to better protect the ocean. India said it would ratify the High Seas Treaty. France called for tougher action, including a carbon tax on international shipping and more funding for sustainable "blue" industries. Around that same week, people around the world marked World Ocean Day on June 8, with the theme 'Sustainable Fishing Means More.' The next day, Coral Triangle Day was celebrated in Southeast Asia, focusing on the need to protect one of the world's richest marine areas. C:fakepathGvvWq0WXoAAefyu It might all sound far away, but it's not. Oman, for example, has one of the longest coastlines in the region, and the sea has always been a big part of who we are. Our history, our trade, our food; it's all tied to the ocean. But that connection means we also have a duty to protect it. There is a lot we can do. We can tighten the rules on coastal pollution and over-development. We can support more responsible fishing and invest in aquaculture. We can create more marine reserves where nature has space to recover. Oman has already added ocean education to school curriculum, helping young people understand the ocean's true value, not just as a fun place to visit but as something that keeps us alive. Oman is also active in global talks on marine protection and plastic waste. Saving the ocean isn't just about saving fish or coral. It's about protecting our climate, our food, our jobs and our future. Everything is connected to the sea. The good news? More people are paying attention. Governments are talking. Campaigns are gaining momentum. But talk isn't enough. We need real actions that are bold, consistent and guided by science. Admiring the sea during a sunset walk is nice, but it's not enough. We have to stand up for it. Because our lives depend on it. The tide is turning, so let's make sure it turns in the right direction.
Daily Tribune
11-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's Young Voices Lead Global Ocean Call
TDT | Manama A new generation of Bahrainis stepped forward as ocean advocates during a public event on Wednesday that echoed the global momentum sparked by the recent United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in France. Held at the Bahrain Science Centre for SDGs in Isa Town, the 'Bahar Talks' initiative brought together marine experts, young climate leaders, and local organisations for an evening of dialogue and reflection on ocean conservation. The event, hosted by the French Embassy and the Bahrain Science Centre in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Alliance Française Bahreïn, marked one of the first major youth-centred follow-ups to UNOC3 in the region. From Film to Forum The evening opened with a screening of Tara, the Coral Odyssey, a French documentary chronicling expeditions by Fondation Tara Océan to study coral ecosystems threatened by climate change. The film set the tone for a spirited roundtable moderated by Aysha Alsherooqi, SDG specialist and Bahrain's representative to the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change. Panellists included Dr Reem Al Mealla, founder of local marine NGO NUWAT, and Khaled Al Saeed, president of the Bahrain Diving Volunteer Team and CEO of Sea World Expo Bahrain 2025. They were joined by marine biologists Sylvain Kreuter and Rahma Aleskafi, alongside Fatima Alzaki, a rising youth leader who attended the UNOC3 summit in Nice after being selected through the 3rd Green Youth Hackathon. Ocean Momentum Speakers highlighted the critical role of young people in shaping Bahrain's environmental future and stressed the importance of local actions aligning with global sustainability goals. Discussions revolved around Sustainable Development Goal 14 - Life Below Water - with an emphasis on combining scientific research with public engagement. Bahar Talks was described by participants as a meaningful continuation of UNOC3's message, ensuring it resonates not only on the international stage but also in grassroots movements and local policymaking circles. The event drew attention to the growing appetite among Bahrain's youth to take the lead in ocean conservation initiatives at home and abroad.
Japan Today
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Japan Today
U.N. chief slams U.S.-backed Gaza aid operation: 'It is killing people'
FILE PHOTO: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attends a press briefing during the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) at the Centre des Expositions conference centre in Nice, France, June 10, 2025. REUTERS/Manon Cruz/File Photo By Michelle Nichols United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Friday that a U.S.-backed aid operation in Gaza is 'inherently unsafe,' giving a blunt assessment: 'It is killing people.' Israel and the United States want the U.N. to work through the controversial new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, but the U.N. has refused, questioning its neutrality and accusing the distribution model of militarizing aid and forcing displacement. "Any operation that channels desperate civilians into militarized zones is inherently unsafe. It is killing people, Guterres told reporters. Guterres said U.N.-led humanitarian efforts are being 'strangled,' aid workers themselves are starving and Israel – as the occupying power - is required to agree to and facilitate aid deliveries into and throughout the Palestinian enclave. "People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families. The search for food must never be a death sentence,' Guterres told reporters. "It is time to find the political courage for a ceasefire in Gaza." Since Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza on May 19, allowing limited U.N. deliveries to resume, the United Nations says more than 400 Palestinians have been killed seeking aid from both the U.N. and GHF operations. A senior U.N. official said on Sunday that the majority of those people were trying to reach GHF sites. Responding to Guterres on Friday, Israel's Foreign Ministry said Israel's military never targets civilians and accused the U.N. of 'doing everything it can' to oppose the GHF aid operation. 'In doing so, the UN is aligning itself with Hamas, which is also trying to sabotage the GHF's humanitarian operations,' it posted on X. A GHF spokesperson said there have been no deaths at or near any of the GHF aid distribution sites. 'It is unfortunate the U.N. continue to push false information regarding our operations,' the GHF spokesperson said. 'Bottom line, our aid is getting securely delivered. Instead of bickering and throwing insults from the sidelines, we would welcome the UN and other humanitarian groups to join us and feed the people in Gaza.' GHF uses private U.S. security and logistics firms to operate. It began operations in Gaza on May 26 and said on Friday so far it has given out more than 48 million meals. The U.S. State Department said on Thursday it had approved $30 million in funding for the GHF and called on other countries to also support the group. Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of stealing aid from the U.N.-led operations, which the militants deny. © Thomson Reuters 2025.
Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
UN chief slams US-backed Gaza aid operation: 'It is killing people'
FILE PHOTO: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attends a press briefing during the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) at the Centre des Expositions conference centre in Nice, France, June 10, 2025. REUTERS/Manon Cruz/File Photo UNITED NATIONS - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Friday that a U.S.-backed aid operation in Gaza is 'inherently unsafe,' giving a blunt assessment: 'It is killing people.' Israel and the United States want the U.N. to work through the controversial new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, but the U.N. has refused, questioning its neutrality and accusing the distribution model of militarizing aid and forcing displacement. "Any operation that channels desperate civilians into militarized zones is inherently unsafe. It is killing people, Guterres told reporters. Guterres said U.N.-led humanitarian efforts are being 'strangled,' aid workers themselves are starving and Israel – as the occupying power - is required to agree to and facilitate aid deliveries into and throughout the Palestinian enclave. "People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families. The search for food must never be a death sentence,' Guterres told reporters. "It is time to find the political courage for a ceasefire in Gaza." Since Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza on May 19, allowing limited U.N. deliveries to resume, the United Nations says more than 400 Palestinians have been killed seeking aid from both the U.N. and GHF operations. A senior U.N. official said on Sunday that the majority of those people were trying to reach GHF sites. Responding to Guterres on Friday, Israel's Foreign Ministry said Israel's military never targets civilians and accused the U.N. of 'doing everything it can' to oppose the GHF aid operation. 'In doing so, the UN is aligning itself with Hamas, which is also trying to sabotage the GHF's humanitarian operations,' it posted on X. A GHF spokesperson said there have been no deaths at or near any of the GHF aid distribution sites. 'It is unfortunate the U.N. continue to push false information regarding our operations,' the GHF spokesperson said. 'Bottom line, our aid is getting securely delivered. Instead of bickering and throwing insults from the sidelines, we would welcome the UN and other humanitarian groups to join us and feed the people in Gaza.' GHF uses private U.S. security and logistics firms to operate. It began operations in Gaza on May 26 and said on Friday so far it has given out more than 48 million meals. The U.S. State Department said on Thursday it had approved $30 million in funding for the GHF and called on other countries to also support the group. Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of stealing aid from the U.N.-led operations, which the militants deny. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
