International cooperation for ocean preservation gained momentum this week as world leaders convened in Nice, France, to address critical issues ranging from high seas protection to deep-sea mining regulations. The summit saw pledges to expand marine protected areas adn renewed calls for sustainable ocean advancement.

Momentum Builds for High Seas Treaty

The recent ratification of the Treaty on the High Seas by approximately fifty nations has sparked optimism for the swift implementation of this international agreement. The treaty aims to enhance the protection of international waters, defined as areas beyond 200 nautical miles (370 km) from coastlines.

“A real acceleration. A priori,the treaty will be finalized before the end of the year and we will be able to work on the first marine areas protected on the high seas.”

Rebecca Hubbard, representing the High Seas Alliance, lauded the “unbelievable progress” made. However, she cautioned that continued effort is crucial, as the treaty will onyl take effect 120 days after it’s 60th ratification.While France aimed to reach this milestone in Nice, as desired by French President Emmanuel Macron, the target was not met. Roman Troublé,director of the Tara Ocean Foundation,noted a “denial mobilization” surrounding the issue.

François Chartier of Greenpeace expressed enthusiasm, stating, “A priori, the treaty will be finalized before the end of the year and we will be able to work on the first marine areas protected on the high seas.”

Deep-Sea Mining Concerns Intensify

The summit also witnessed heightened concerns regarding deep-sea mining, particularly in response to decisions to pursue the exploitation of polymetallic nodules in the Pacific Ocean’s international waters.

Emmanuel Macron condemned the move as “madness” and “predatory economic action,” asserting that “The abyss is not for sale.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned against a new “far West” scenario in the ocean depths.

Despite the strong rhetoric, the coalition advocating for a moratorium on seabed mining saw limited growth, increasing from 32 to 37 countries out of the 169 member states of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the body responsible for drafting a mining code.

Marine Protected Areas Expand

Several nations, including Colombia, Samoa, Portugal, Greece, and Polynesia, announced the creation of new marine protected areas (MPAs) or the strengthening of existing ones, with measures such as prohibiting bottom trawling.

These commitments could bring the world’s MPA coverage to over 10%, compared to 8.34% prior to the conference. However,some NGOs expressed disappointment with France’s announcements,citing the limitation of bottom trawling to only 4% of its waters.

Fossil Fuels Omitted from Declaration

Notably absent from the summit’s final declaration was any mention of fossil fuels, the primary drivers of global warming. While the text acknowledges the “harmful effects of climate change” on the ocean and its ecosystems, it does not advocate for a transition away from fossil fuels, a point raised during the Dubai COP28 in 2023.

Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of the Environment of Vanuatu, voiced his concern, stating, “This is the main cause of the deterioration of the oceans, and we do not talk about it enough, it is regrettable.”

Funding Shortfall Persists

The $100 billion in funding anticipated by Costa Rica prior to the Nice conference did not materialize. According to a 2022 report by the World Economic Forum, an estimated $175 billion per year is needed to achieve the sustainable development of the ocean by 2030.