Morocco strengthens its environmental commitment by ratifying the United Nations High Seas Treaty
The Kingdom of Morocco has joined the list of countries that have ratified the United Nations High Seas Treaty, in a move that enhances its diplomatic presence and environmental commitment. This agreement opens the door for this historic treaty to take effect in January, following the completion of over 60 ratifications.
The United Nations confirmed Morocco’s accession, along with Sierra Leone last Friday, making them the sixtieth and sixty-first parties to the agreement, which was adopted in June 2023 after nearly two decades of international negotiations.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described this development as a “historic achievement,” emphasizing that the treaty represents a lifeline for the ocean and humanity in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The treaty aims to establish a network of marine protected areas in the high seas, contributing to the goal of protecting 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030, a target endorsed by around 200 countries within the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework.
This step is a crucial milestone towards holding the first conference of the parties to the treaty, where practical measures will be proposed to ensure a more sustainable future for the oceans and the communities dependent on them.
