Spain takes the lead and becomes the first EU country to approve International Ocean Treaty

Spain approves ‘High Seas Treaty’ to protect biodiversity in international waters

by Lorraine Williamson
High Seas Treaty Spain

Spain has become the first European country to approve the ‘High Seas Treaty,’ a landmark agreement aimed at protecting biodiversity in international waters. This United Nations treaty facilitates the creation of protected areas in seas that do not belong to any specific country.

The Spanish government is urging other nations to quickly ratify the treaty so it can come into effect.

15 years of negotiations for ocean protection

After 15 years of negotiations and several failed attempts, the treaty was finalised at the United Nations in March 2023. Although 107 countries have signed it, at least 60 nations must officially ratify the treaty before it becomes legally binding. Spain is the sixteenth country to approve the ‘High Seas Treaty.’

Crucial for ocean conservation

International waters, or the high seas, cover 64% of the world’s oceans. While there are regulations for fishing and shipping, there has been no global treaty to protect biodiversity in these areas until now. This treaty is crucial to achieving the 30×30 goal of protecting 30% of the oceans and land by 2030, an agreement made during the Biodiversity Summit in Montreal in 2022. Currently, only 1% of the high seas are protected.

Other EU countries may follow

The European Union aims to approve the treaty as a whole. The European Parliament and the European Council have already endorsed it, but each EU country must ratify it individually. The European Commission has urged member states to do so before the next UN Ocean Conference in June 2025 in Nice. With its approval, Spain has beaten Belgium and France, both of which are also well-advanced in the ratification process.

International impact and expectations

Major countries such as China, the United States, India, Canada, and Australia have signed the treaty but have yet to ratify it. With Donald Trump back in office, challenges may arise, as he has historically opposed international agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord. This could influence the US stance on the High Seas Treaty.

Spain’s approval of the High Seas Treaty welcomed

Spain’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, emphasised Spain’s strong commitment to ocean conservation when announcing the approval. She called on other countries to follow suit swiftly so the treaty can take effect.

Environmental organisations have also responded positively. Eva Saldaña, director of Greenpeace Spain, called the approval of the High Seas Treaty a significant step and expressed hope that other European nations will follow. Juan Carlos de Olmo of the World Wildlife Fund highlighted the need for international cooperation and warned against the current “individualism” in global political trends that seek to block environmental agreements.

What happens next?

Once 60 countries ratify the treaty, it will take effect 120 days later. Environmental activists are working toward achieving this goal before the UN Ocean Conference in June 2025. By being the first EU country to approve the treaty, Spain has demonstrated that protecting the oceans requires urgent action.

Also read: Galicia´s seafood industry is facing crisis

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