UN oceans conference promises fresh impetus

By Our Special Correspondent

The United Nations hopes that the international conference that began on June 27 will give a fresh impetus to the long-running efforts for a global agreement on the protection of the world's oceans.

A five-day U.N. mission in Lisbon, Portugal. The Ocean Conference attracted senior officials and scientists from more than 120 countries to Atlantic Port City in southwestern Europe, as well as activists frustrated by the failure to formulate international rules for ensuring maritime stability. .

No comprehensive legal framework will cover the high seas. The oceans cover about 70% of the earth's surface and provide food and livelihood for billions of people. Some activists refer to them as the largest uncontrolled area on the planet.

In his opening remarks at the conference, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on nations to show "unity and solidarity around maritime issues." "Sadly, we took the sea lightly and today we call it a sea emergency," Mr Guterres said. "We need to change the tides."

Threats to the oceans include global warming, pollution, acidification and other problems, the U.N. There are also no rules for potentially harmful deep sea mining.

According to the U.N., the conference is ready to adopt a statement that, despite its commitment to its signatories, could help implement and facilitate the protection and conservation of the oceans and their resources. This announcement will be approved on July 1st.

However a crucial new international agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction is still pending, also known as the High Maritime Agreement.

The agreement is being negotiated in the United Convention Framework on maritime law, a major international agreement governing human maritime activity.