Urging Turkey to Sign and Ratify the Treaty for the Protection of Life in the High Seas
Urging Turkey to Sign and Ratify the Treaty for the Protection of Life in the High Seas
The Issue
Approximately two-thirds of the world's oceans lie beyond national borders, in an area known as the "high seas". However, only 1 percent of this vast and largely unexplored area is currently protected. This vulnerability puts the vast ocean area at risk from overfishing, pollution, and the impacts of climate change.
The "High Seas Treaty," negotiated for nearly 20 years, aims to protect biodiversity beyond the national maritime jurisdictions of member states. This treaty was opened for signature at the UN Headquarters on September 20.
By signing this Treaty, Turkey can support the swift entry into force of the High Seas Treaty and lead the way in the region. To make the Treaty effective, it requires ratification by at least 60 countries.
What is the aim of the High Seas Treaty?
The agreement envisions joint supervision of the oceans, the largest habitat on the blue planet, accounting for approximately half of the Earth's surface and 95 percent of the ocean volume.
Issues such as climate change, overfishing, and shipping traffic have a serious negative impact on biodiversity in the high seas, which cover approximately two-thirds of the seas.
The Treaty provides the opportunity to control fishing activities in these areas, as well as imposing restrictions on sea mines, maritime transportation routes, and exploration activities. This is considered a significant step, particularly in the context of combating climate change.
What does the agreement offer?
The Treaty will establish marine protected areas on the high seas and create a new body to manage the protection of ocean life.
It aims to establish a mechanism for fairly distributing profits earned on the high seas by establishing a common trust fund. It will also provide technology, capacity building, and training to low-income countries so they can participate in scientific missions and development.
According to experts, this agreement is of critical importance to ensure that 30 percent of the waters can be protected, as committed at the UN Biodiversity Conference.
What can you do?
By signing this campaign, you can demand that Turkey promptly signs and ratifies the High Seas Treaty, supporting its swift entry into force.
The Issue
Approximately two-thirds of the world's oceans lie beyond national borders, in an area known as the "high seas". However, only 1 percent of this vast and largely unexplored area is currently protected. This vulnerability puts the vast ocean area at risk from overfishing, pollution, and the impacts of climate change.
The "High Seas Treaty," negotiated for nearly 20 years, aims to protect biodiversity beyond the national maritime jurisdictions of member states. This treaty was opened for signature at the UN Headquarters on September 20.
By signing this Treaty, Turkey can support the swift entry into force of the High Seas Treaty and lead the way in the region. To make the Treaty effective, it requires ratification by at least 60 countries.
What is the aim of the High Seas Treaty?
The agreement envisions joint supervision of the oceans, the largest habitat on the blue planet, accounting for approximately half of the Earth's surface and 95 percent of the ocean volume.
Issues such as climate change, overfishing, and shipping traffic have a serious negative impact on biodiversity in the high seas, which cover approximately two-thirds of the seas.
The Treaty provides the opportunity to control fishing activities in these areas, as well as imposing restrictions on sea mines, maritime transportation routes, and exploration activities. This is considered a significant step, particularly in the context of combating climate change.
What does the agreement offer?
The Treaty will establish marine protected areas on the high seas and create a new body to manage the protection of ocean life.
It aims to establish a mechanism for fairly distributing profits earned on the high seas by establishing a common trust fund. It will also provide technology, capacity building, and training to low-income countries so they can participate in scientific missions and development.
According to experts, this agreement is of critical importance to ensure that 30 percent of the waters can be protected, as committed at the UN Biodiversity Conference.
What can you do?
By signing this campaign, you can demand that Turkey promptly signs and ratifies the High Seas Treaty, supporting its swift entry into force.
Victory
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The Decision Makers
Petition created on October 11, 2023