We are passionate about real and actionable solutions to ocean plastic, so we are incredibly excited to see this exciting new development. UN member states finally agreed on the first international treaty to protect the high seas—an ambitious plan to protect 30% of the high seas by 2030. According to the UN, 17 million metric tons of plastic entered the world's oceans, making up 85 per cent of marine litter. Also, Between 2009 and 2018, the world lost about 14 per cent of coral reefs. Some of the sobering figures are available on the UN website. But that is hopefully all about to change with this monumental agreement.
As announced by the Guardian: 'The treaty will provide a legal framework for establishing vast marine protected areas (MPAs) to protect against the loss of wildlife and share out the genetic resources of the high seas". In addition, it will establish a conference of the parties (a new Cop) that will meet periodically and enable member states to be held to account on issues such as governance and biodiversity.
Facts and figures source: The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022
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