Rescue is still possible

The United Nations wants to protect the marine habitat from pollution and overexploitation with the marine conservation agreement. At least 60 countries must have ratified the treaty by 2025.

Since the annual plenary meeting of heads of state and government at the end of September, the marine protection agreement has been open for signature at the United Nations in New York. Two members of the German government euphorically praised this agreement after it was signed. During the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that it was a glimmer of hope for the oceans, the people and also for the United Nations. Environment Minister Steffi Lemke, who was also present, even spoke of a historic and overwhelming success for international marine protection.

Charter of the United Nations - Goals and principles, graphic: Creative Commons

After that, it quickly became very quiet again. Time to take a closer look at the extensive body of regulations. Even the unwieldy title makes it clear what it is all about: Convention under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Utilisation of Marine Biological Diversity in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction.