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Barnama
11-06-2025
- General
- Barnama
Malaysia And The UN High Seas Treaty: What's Next?
T he third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), now underway in Nice, France, has brought together around 200 world leaders to tackle urgent challenges facing the world's oceans. Running from June 9 to 13, the summit aims to accelerate global action to protect marine ecosystems and promote the sustainable use of ocean resources — a timely moment as Malaysia weighs whether to ratify the new UN High Seas Treaty. Following previous conferences in New York (2017) and Lisbon (2022), this year's summit — the world's largest ocean-focused gathering — is held under the theme 'Accelerating Action and Mobilising All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean.' The summit aims to strengthen protection and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources, particularly by advancing implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14): Life Below Water. The conference is also focused on three core objectives: conserving marine biodiversity, eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies, and advancing the global '30 by 30' target. (The 30 by 30 target, a key element of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in 2022, seeks to protect at least 30 per cent of the world's land and 30 per cent of its oceans by 2030. This target, officially referred to as Target 3 within the Framework, is part of a larger effort to address biodiversity loss and achieve a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.) Yet today, only 2.7 per cent of the world's oceans are effectively protected from extractive activities, according to the Marine Conservation Institute — far short of the 30 by 30 goal. With mounting pressure on marine and coastal ecosystems — now increasingly visible both for marine life and for the communities that depend on them — UNOC3 is seen as a critical milestone in reviving international cooperation and boosting collective action for the ocean. One key priority is to secure at least 60 national ratifications needed to bring into force the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, also known as the BBNJ Agreement or High Seas Treaty. Adopted on June 19, 2023, the High Seas Treaty aims to protect the high seas — waters beyond countries' exclusive economic zones (EEZs), which extend up to 370 nautical miles from shore — and safeguard marine ecosystems in these international waters. The treaty also contains provisions for countries to share marine genetic resources collected through scientific research in international waters. As of June 10, 2025, 49 countries have ratified the BBNJ Agreement — with Singapore the only ASEAN country among them — according to the High Seas Alliance Treaty Ratification Progress. The deadline to reach the 60-country threshold is Sept 20. MALAYSIA'S COMMITMENT TO THE HIGH SEAS TREATY Malaysia signed UNCLOS on Dec 10, 1982, and ratified it on Oct 14, 1996 — but has yet to sign or ratify the High Seas Treaty. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia's Faculty of Syariah and Law, International Law Unit Coordinator Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Hazmi Mohd Rusli, said the treaty represents a valuable opportunity for Malaysia to continue playing a leadership role in global environmental diplomacy, as one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries. Malaysia has historically played an active leadership role in biodiversity-related multilateral agreements, he said, citing the country's push for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1994 and the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources. The treaty could help protect oceans from environmental degradation caused by deep seabed mining (DSM) for metals such as silver, gold, copper, manganese, cobalt, and zinc, he added. 'DSM activities in the high seas can affect fish stocks, ocean health — and their impacts can even reach our own waters. 'With the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) mandated under the treaty, there will be stronger protections for marine ecosystems, which are essential for both our food security and long-term ocean health,' he told Bernama in an email interview. He noted that the treaty also promotes fair benefit-sharing from marine genetic resources found in international waters. 'As a developing country, Malaysia stands to benefit from capacity building, technology transfer, and having a voice in how these resources are used and shared,' he said. However, Mohd Hazmi cautioned that delaying treaty ratification could damage Malaysia's international reputation and weaken its position on sustainable ocean governance. "Especially when countries like Singapore are moving forward (already ratified the high seas treaty). 'We should not follow the United States (US) example of failing to ratify UNCLOS — a treaty now widely regarded as customary international law. 'The High Seas Treaty, while not yet universally followed, complements UNCLOS by focusing on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction,' he added. ASEAN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION WWF-Malaysia Policy Lead, Shantini Guna Rajan, said that as pressures on ocean ecosystems continue to grow, Malaysia's support for the treaty would signal its commitment to addressing key gaps in global ocean governance. As a maritime nation, Malaysia's commitment to the High Seas Treaty would also create opportunities for international collaboration and capacity-building in ocean governance and sustainability, she said. "It would solidify Malaysia's leadership in marine conservation and sustainable development, while demonstrating its commitment to collaborative, multilateral solutions to the global crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean pollution," she said. She also highlighted the treaty's Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) provisions, which aim to ensure that all parties — particularly developing nations — receive fair and equitable benefits from marine genetic resources (MGRs) found in the high seas. 'These resources have potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture — but until now have largely been accessed freely by a small number of technologically advanced states. 'The ABS mechanism mandates the sharing of both monetary benefits (such as royalties and licensing fees) and non-monetary benefits (including scientific knowledge, capacity building, and technology transfer). "This fosters greater global equity, supports innovation through collaborative research, and ensures that the economic gains from the high seas are shared in a manner that contributes to sustainable development and global scientific progress," she said. PROTECTING OCEAN HEALTH IN A TRANSBOUNDARY CONTEXT Dr Khaira Ismail, Deputy Director of the Blue Economy Advancement Centre (UMTBEACON) at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, said that while Malaysia's jurisdiction does not extend to the high seas, the environmental impact assessment (EIA) framework under the BBNJ treaty can help safeguard marine ecosystems — including those within Malaysia's own waters — by protecting ocean health at a transboundary level. 'Due to the interconnected nature of ocean ecosystems, activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) can still affect regional biodiversity and migratory species that traverse into Malaysian waters. 'Supporting a standardised, transparent framework for EIAs on the high seas allows Malaysia to advocate the precautionary principle and contribute scientific expertise — particularly through our research institutions — to help protect ocean health in a transboundary context,' she said. She noted that the ocean covers nearly 70 per cent of the Earth's surface and is home to extraordinary biodiversity and natural resources that are vital for the planet's climate and economy. 'Yet, beyond national borders, efforts to protect the ocean have historically been fragmented and insufficient.' Malaysia, she added, does not lack the expertise, capability, or legal legitimacy to be influential in ABNJ governance. 'Our scientists, legal experts, and diplomats are well-positioned to make meaningful contributions. What we lack is not capacity — but a sense of urgency, political prioritisation, and a coherent policy framework. 'Engaging with the BBNJ treaty is not about short-term gains, but about securing long-term influence and ensuring our national interests are reflected in how shared ocean spaces are governed. Sitting on the sidelines is not a strategy,' she said. She said the BBNJ treaty provides a platform for developing countries like Malaysia to help shape fair and inclusive governance rules for MGRs. 'Malaysia's participation can ensure that benefit-sharing mechanisms under the treaty consider the needs of capacity-limited countries, while also promoting scientific collaboration, access to data, and fair technology transfer. 'This positions Malaysia not just as a user of such resources, but also as an advocate for equitable governance,' she said. THE NEED FOR A NATIONAL OCEAN POLICY UMT's Faculty of Maritime Studies senior lecturer, Dr Izyan Munirah Mohd Zaideen emphasised that if Malaysia were to commit to the High Seas Treaty, it should first adopt a National Ocean Policy (NOP) to centralise maritime and marine governance. 'Malaysia is a maritime nation strategically located along key international shipping routes linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and is surrounded by vital marine resources that support coastal communities and national food security. 'Malaysia should intensify efforts to utilise these advantages sustainably and strengthen its standing as a leading maritime nation. 'However, it must be noted that the government currently lacks an inclusive strategy or specialised framework to oversee ocean activities effectively,' she told Bernama recently. She said the existing sectoral approach to ocean governance has resulted in jurisdictional overlaps and fragmented legal provisions, with multiple agencies overseeing different aspects of ocean activity. 'Better coordination of ocean and coastal resource management is critical for balancing development and economic activity with environmental protection. 'Establishing a NOP should be the foundation for comprehensive ocean governance — and should come before committing to any new international agreement, including the High Seas Treaty,' she stressed.
The Star
11-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Malaysia and the UN High Seas Treaty: What's next?
KUALA LUMPUR: The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), now underway in Nice, France, has brought together around 200 world leaders to tackle urgent challenges facing the world's oceans. Running from June 9 to 13, the summit aims to accelerate global action to protect marine ecosystems and promote the sustainable use of ocean resources - a timely moment as Malaysia weighs whether to ratify the new UN High Seas Treaty. Following previous conferences in New York (2017) and Lisbon (2022), this year's summit - the world's largest ocean-focused gathering - is held under the theme 'Accelerating Action and Mobilising All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean.' The summit aims to strengthen protection and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources, particularly by advancing implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14): Life Below Water. The conference is also focused on three core objectives: conserving marine biodiversity, eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies, and advancing the global '30 by 30' target. (The 30 by 30 target, a key element of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in 2022, seeks to protect at least 30% of the world's land and 30% of its oceans by 2030. This target, officially referred to as Target 3 within the Framework, is part of a larger effort to address biodiversity loss and achieve a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.) Yet today, only 2.7% of the world's oceans are effectively protected from extractive activities, according to the Marine Conservation Institute - far short of the 30 by 30 goal. With mounting pressure on marine and coastal ecosystems - now increasingly visible both for marine life and for the communities that depend on them - UNOC3 is seen as a critical milestone in reviving international cooperation and boosting collective action for the ocean. One key priority is to secure at least 60 national ratifications needed to bring into force the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, also known as the BBNJ Agreement or High Seas Treaty. Adopted on June 19, 2023, the High Seas Treaty aims to protect the high seas - waters beyond countries' exclusive economic zones (EEZs), which extend up to 370 nautical miles from shore - and safeguard marine ecosystems in these international waters. The treaty also contains provisions for countries to share marine genetic resources collected through scientific research in international waters. As of June 10, 2025, 49 countries have ratified the BBNJ Agreement - with Singapore the only Asean country among them - according to the High Seas Alliance Treaty Ratification Progress. The deadline to reach the 60-country threshold is Sept 20. Malaysia signed UNCLOS on Dec 10, 1982, and ratified it on Oct 14, 1996 - but has yet to sign or ratify the High Seas Treaty. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia's Faculty of Syariah and Law, International Law Unit Coordinator Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Hazmi Mohd Rusli, said the treaty represents a valuable opportunity for Malaysia to continue playing a leadership role in global environmental diplomacy, as one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries. Malaysia has historically played an active leadership role in biodiversity-related multilateral agreements, he said, citing the country's push for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1994 and the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources. The treaty could help protect oceans from environmental degradation caused by deep seabed mining (DSM) for metals such as silver, gold, copper, manganese, cobalt, and zinc, he added. "DSM activities in the high seas can affect fish stocks, ocean health - and their impacts can even reach our own waters. "With the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) mandated under the treaty, there will be stronger protections for marine ecosystems, which are essential for both our food security and long-term ocean health," he told Bernama in an email interview. He noted that the treaty also promotes fair benefit-sharing from marine genetic resources found in international waters. "As a developing country, Malaysia stands to benefit from capacity building, technology transfer, and having a voice in how these resources are used and shared," he said. However, Mohd Hazmi cautioned that delaying treaty ratification could damage Malaysia's international reputation and weaken its position on sustainable ocean governance. "Especially when countries like Singapore are moving forward (already ratified the high seas treaty). "We should not follow the United States (US) example of failing to ratify UNCLOS - a treaty now widely regarded as customary international law. "The High Seas Treaty, while not yet universally followed, complements UNCLOS by focusing on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction," he added. WWF-Malaysia Policy Lead, Shantini Guna Rajan, said that as pressures on ocean ecosystems continue to grow, Malaysia's support for the treaty would signal its commitment to addressing key gaps in global ocean governance. As a maritime nation, Malaysia's commitment to the High Seas Treaty would also create opportunities for international collaboration and capacity-building in ocean governance and sustainability, she said. "It would solidify Malaysia's leadership in marine conservation and sustainable development, while demonstrating its commitment to collaborative, multilateral solutions to the global crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean pollution," she said. She also highlighted the treaty's Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) provisions, which aim to ensure that all parties - particularly developing nations - receive fair and equitable benefits from marine genetic resources (MGRs) found in the high seas. "These resources have potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture - but until now have largely been accessed freely by a small number of technologically advanced states. "The ABS mechanism mandates the sharing of both monetary benefits (such as royalties and licensing fees) and non-monetary benefits (including scientific knowledge, capacity building, and technology transfer). "This fosters greater global equity, supports innovation through collaborative research, and ensures that the economic gains from the high seas are shared in a manner that contributes to sustainable development and global scientific progress," she said. Dr Khaira Ismail, Deputy Director of the Blue Economy Advancement Centre (UMTBEACON) at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, said that while Malaysia's jurisdiction does not extend to the high seas, the environmental impact assessment (EIA) framework under the BBNJ treaty can help safeguard marine ecosystems - including those within Malaysia's own waters - by protecting ocean health at a transboundary level. "Due to the interconnected nature of ocean ecosystems, activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) can still affect regional biodiversity and migratory species that traverse into Malaysian waters. "Supporting a standardised, transparent framework for EIAs on the high seas allows Malaysia to advocate the precautionary principle and contribute scientific expertise - particularly through our research institutions - to help protect ocean health in a transboundary context,' she said. She noted that the ocean covers nearly 70 per cent of the Earth's surface and is home to extraordinary biodiversity and natural resources that are vital for the planet's climate and economy. "Yet, beyond national borders, efforts to protect the ocean have historically been fragmented and insufficient." Malaysia, she added, does not lack the expertise, capability, or legal legitimacy to be influential in ABNJ governance. "Our scientists, legal experts, and diplomats are well-positioned to make meaningful contributions. What we lack is not capacity - but a sense of urgency, political prioritisation, and a coherent policy framework. "Engaging with the BBNJ treaty is not about short-term gains, but about securing long-term influence and ensuring our national interests are reflected in how shared ocean spaces are governed. Sitting on the sidelines is not a strategy,' she said. She said the BBNJ treaty provides a platform for developing countries like Malaysia to help shape fair and inclusive governance rules for MGRs. "Malaysia's participation can ensure that benefit-sharing mechanisms under the treaty consider the needs of capacity-limited countries, while also promoting scientific collaboration, access to data, and fair technology transfer. "This positions Malaysia not just as a user of such resources, but also as an advocate for equitable governance,' she said. UMT's Faculty of Maritime Studies senior lecturer, Dr Izyan Munirah Mohd Zaideen emphasised that if Malaysia were to commit to the High Seas Treaty, it should first adopt a National Ocean Policy (NOP) to centralise maritime and marine governance. "Malaysia is a maritime nation strategically located along key international shipping routes linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and is surrounded by vital marine resources that support coastal communities and national food security. "Malaysia should intensify efforts to utilise these advantages sustainably and strengthen its standing as a leading maritime nation. "However, it must be noted that the government currently lacks an inclusive strategy or specialised framework to oversee ocean activities effectively,' she told Bernama recently. She said the existing sectoral approach to ocean governance has resulted in jurisdictional overlaps and fragmented legal provisions, with multiple agencies overseeing different aspects of ocean activity. "Better coordination of ocean and coastal resource management is critical for balancing development and economic activity with environmental protection. "Establishing a NOP should be the foundation for comprehensive ocean governance - and should come before committing to any new international agreement, including the High Seas Treaty,' she stressed. - Bernama
The Sun
11-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Malaysia and the UN High Seas Treaty: What's next?
KUALA LUMPUR: The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), now underway in Nice, France, has brought together around 200 world leaders to tackle urgent challenges facing the world's oceans. Running from June 9 to 13, the summit aims to accelerate global action to protect marine ecosystems and promote the sustainable use of ocean resources — a timely moment as Malaysia weighs whether to ratify the new UN High Seas Treaty. Following previous conferences in New York (2017) and Lisbon (2022), this year's summit — the world's largest ocean-focused gathering — is held under the theme 'Accelerating Action and Mobilising All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean.' The summit aims to strengthen protection and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources, particularly by advancing implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14): Life Below Water. The conference is also focused on three core objectives: conserving marine biodiversity, eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies, and advancing the global '30 by 30' target. (The 30 by 30 target, a key element of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in 2022, seeks to protect at least 30 per cent of the world's land and 30 per cent of its oceans by 2030. This target, officially referred to as Target 3 within the Framework, is part of a larger effort to address biodiversity loss and achieve a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.) Yet today, only 2.7 per cent of the world's oceans are effectively protected from extractive activities, according to the Marine Conservation Institute — far short of the 30 by 30 goal. With mounting pressure on marine and coastal ecosystems — now increasingly visible both for marine life and for the communities that depend on them — UNOC3 is seen as a critical milestone in reviving international cooperation and boosting collective action for the ocean. One key priority is to secure at least 60 national ratifications needed to bring into force the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, also known as the BBNJ Agreement or High Seas Treaty. Adopted on June 19, 2023, the High Seas Treaty aims to protect the high seas — waters beyond countries' exclusive economic zones (EEZs), which extend up to 370 nautical miles from shore — and safeguard marine ecosystems in these international waters. The treaty also contains provisions for countries to share marine genetic resources collected through scientific research in international waters. As of June 10, 2025, 49 countries have ratified the BBNJ Agreement — with Singapore the only ASEAN country among them — according to the High Seas Alliance Treaty Ratification Progress. The deadline to reach the 60-country threshold is Sept 20. MALAYSIA'S COMMITMENT TO THE HIGH SEAS TREATY Malaysia signed UNCLOS on Dec 10, 1982, and ratified it on Oct 14, 1996 — but has yet to sign or ratify the High Seas Treaty. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia's Faculty of Syariah and Law, International Law Unit Coordinator Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Hazmi Mohd Rusli, said the treaty represents a valuable opportunity for Malaysia to continue playing a leadership role in global environmental diplomacy, as one of the world's 17 megadiverse countries. Malaysia has historically played an active leadership role in biodiversity-related multilateral agreements, he said, citing the country's push for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1994 and the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources. The treaty could help protect oceans from environmental degradation caused by deep seabed mining (DSM) for metals such as silver, gold, copper, manganese, cobalt, and zinc, he added. 'DSM activities in the high seas can affect fish stocks, ocean health — and their impacts can even reach our own waters. 'With the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) mandated under the treaty, there will be stronger protections for marine ecosystems, which are essential for both our food security and long-term ocean health,' he told Bernama in an email interview. He noted that the treaty also promotes fair benefit-sharing from marine genetic resources found in international waters. 'As a developing country, Malaysia stands to benefit from capacity building, technology transfer, and having a voice in how these resources are used and shared,' he said. However, Mohd Hazmi cautioned that delaying treaty ratification could damage Malaysia's international reputation and weaken its position on sustainable ocean governance. 'Especially when countries like Singapore are moving forward (already ratified the high seas treaty). 'We should not follow the United States (US) example of failing to ratify UNCLOS — a treaty now widely regarded as customary international law. 'The High Seas Treaty, while not yet universally followed, complements UNCLOS by focusing on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction,' he added. ASEAN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION WWF-Malaysia Policy Lead, Shantini Guna Rajan, said that as pressures on ocean ecosystems continue to grow, Malaysia's support for the treaty would signal its commitment to addressing key gaps in global ocean governance. As a maritime nation, Malaysia's commitment to the High Seas Treaty would also create opportunities for international collaboration and capacity-building in ocean governance and sustainability, she said. 'It would solidify Malaysia's leadership in marine conservation and sustainable development, while demonstrating its commitment to collaborative, multilateral solutions to the global crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean pollution,' she said. She also highlighted the treaty's Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) provisions, which aim to ensure that all parties — particularly developing nations — receive fair and equitable benefits from marine genetic resources (MGRs) found in the high seas. 'These resources have potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture — but until now have largely been accessed freely by a small number of technologically advanced states. 'The ABS mechanism mandates the sharing of both monetary benefits (such as royalties and licensing fees) and non-monetary benefits (including scientific knowledge, capacity building, and technology transfer). 'This fosters greater global equity, supports innovation through collaborative research, and ensures that the economic gains from the high seas are shared in a manner that contributes to sustainable development and global scientific progress,' she said. PROTECTING OCEAN HEALTH IN A TRANSBOUNDARY CONTEXT Dr Khaira Ismail, Deputy Director of the Blue Economy Advancement Centre (UMTBEACON) at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, said that while Malaysia's jurisdiction does not extend to the high seas, the environmental impact assessment (EIA) framework under the BBNJ treaty can help safeguard marine ecosystems — including those within Malaysia's own waters — by protecting ocean health at a transboundary level. 'Due to the interconnected nature of ocean ecosystems, activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) can still affect regional biodiversity and migratory species that traverse into Malaysian waters. 'Supporting a standardised, transparent framework for EIAs on the high seas allows Malaysia to advocate the precautionary principle and contribute scientific expertise — particularly through our research institutions — to help protect ocean health in a transboundary context,' she said. She noted that the ocean covers nearly 70 per cent of the Earth's surface and is home to extraordinary biodiversity and natural resources that are vital for the planet's climate and economy. 'Yet, beyond national borders, efforts to protect the ocean have historically been fragmented and insufficient.' Malaysia, she added, does not lack the expertise, capability, or legal legitimacy to be influential in ABNJ governance. 'Our scientists, legal experts, and diplomats are well-positioned to make meaningful contributions. What we lack is not capacity — but a sense of urgency, political prioritisation, and a coherent policy framework. 'Engaging with the BBNJ treaty is not about short-term gains, but about securing long-term influence and ensuring our national interests are reflected in how shared ocean spaces are governed. Sitting on the sidelines is not a strategy,' she said. She said the BBNJ treaty provides a platform for developing countries like Malaysia to help shape fair and inclusive governance rules for MGRs. 'Malaysia's participation can ensure that benefit-sharing mechanisms under the treaty consider the needs of capacity-limited countries, while also promoting scientific collaboration, access to data, and fair technology transfer. 'This positions Malaysia not just as a user of such resources, but also as an advocate for equitable governance,' she said. THE NEED FOR A NATIONAL OCEAN POLICY UMT's Faculty of Maritime Studies senior lecturer, Dr Izyan Munirah Mohd Zaideen emphasised that if Malaysia were to commit to the High Seas Treaty, it should first adopt a National Ocean Policy (NOP) to centralise maritime and marine governance. 'Malaysia is a maritime nation strategically located along key international shipping routes linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and is surrounded by vital marine resources that support coastal communities and national food security. 'Malaysia should intensify efforts to utilise these advantages sustainably and strengthen its standing as a leading maritime nation. 'However, it must be noted that the government currently lacks an inclusive strategy or specialised framework to oversee ocean activities effectively,' she told Bernama recently. She said the existing sectoral approach to ocean governance has resulted in jurisdictional overlaps and fragmented legal provisions, with multiple agencies overseeing different aspects of ocean activity. 'Better coordination of ocean and coastal resource management is critical for balancing development and economic activity with environmental protection. 'Establishing a NOP should be the foundation for comprehensive ocean governance — and should come before committing to any new international agreement, including the High Seas Treaty,' she stressed.
Nahar Net
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
UN Ocean Conference tries to turn promises into protection
by Naharnet Newsdesk 10 June 2025, 14:57 The third U.N. Ocean Conference opened Monday as pressure mounts for nations to turn decades of promises into real protection for the sea. "The fight for the ocean is at the heart of the yearslong battles we've been waging — for biodiversity, for climate, for our environment and for our health," said French President Emmanuel Macron, delivering the keynote address. Just 2.7% of the ocean is effectively protected from destructive extractive activities, according to the nonprofit Marine Conservation Institute. That's far below the target agreed under the "30x30" pledge to conserve 30% of land and sea by 2030. Ratification of the High Seas Treaty tops the agenda. Adopted in 2023, the treaty would for the first time allow nations to establish marine protected areas in international waters, which cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean and are largely ungoverned. "It's the Wild West out there with countries just fishing anywhere without any sort of regulation, and that needs to change," said Mauro Randone, regional projects manager at the World Wildlife Fund's Mediterranean Marine Initiative. "The high seas belong to everyone and no one practically at the same time, and countries are finally committing to establish some rules." The ocean is critical in stabilizing Earth's climate and sustaining life. It generates 50% of the oxygen we breathe, absorbs around 30% of carbon dioxide emissions and captures more than 90% of the excess heat caused by those emissions. Without a healthy ocean, experts warn, climate goals will remain out of reach. The treaty will come into force once 60 countries ratify it. As of Monday, at least 49 countries had. Advocates hope the conference can build enough momentum to cross the threshold, which would allow for the first official Oceans Conference of Parties. "Two-thirds of the ocean is areas beyond national jurisdiction — that's half our planet," said Minna Epps, director of global ocean policy at the International Union for Conservation of Nature. "We cannot possibly protect 30% of the ocean if it doesn't include the high seas." South Korea, France and the European Union have championed the treaty, but most large ocean nations have yet to ratify it, including the rest of the G20. Thousands of conference attendees are expected, including heads of state, scientists and industry leaders. The United States has confirmed it isn't sending a formal delegation, just observers. From protections on paper to something real The conference highlights the growing gap between marine protection declarations and real-world conservation. France, the conference co-host, claims to have surpassed the 30% target for marine protection. But environmental groups say only 3% of French waters are fully protected from harmful activities like bottom trawling and industrial fishing. In 2024, more than 100 bottom-trawling vessels were recorded spending over 17,000 hours fishing within France's six marine nature parks, according to ocean advocacy group Oceana. "The government declares these as protected areas, but this is a lie," said Enric Sala, founder of National Geographic Pristine Seas marine reserve project. "Most of it is political box-ticking. It's all paper parks." That criticism is echoed across the continent. A new World Wildlife Fund report found that although more than 11% of Europe's marine area is designated for protection, just 2% of EU waters have management plans in place. Fabien Boileau, director of marine protected areas at France's Office for Biodiversity, acknowledged the presence of bottom trawling in French protected areas, but said it was part of a phased strategy. "In France, we made the choice to designate large marine protected areas with relatively low levels of regulation at first, betting that stronger protections would be developed over time through local governance," he said. "Today, we're gradually increasing the number of zones with stricter protections within those areas." France's Port-Cros: A model for conservation Other marine protected areas show what real protection can achieve. Off southern France, Port-Cros National Park is one of the oldest marine reserves in the Mediterranean. Strict anchoring bans have allowed vast seagrass meadows to grow undisturbed. Massive groupers patrol rocky outcrops, brightly colored nudibranchs munch on algae and schools of large corbs glide through the shallows, undisturbed by fishing lines. "Thanks to the protections that have been in place since 1963, we can observe species that are much larger than elsewhere in the Mediterranean and at a much higher density than in other areas," said Hubert Flavigny, manager of Mio Palmo dive center in Hyeres, France. Still, such examples remain exceptions. Advocates say industrial fishing lobbies continue to resist stricter protections, despite evidence that well-managed reserves boost long-term fisheries through the "spillover effect," whereby marine life flourishes in nearby waters. "Protection is not the problem — overfishing is the problem," said Sala. "The worst enemy of the fishing industry is themselves." Frustrated by government inaction, environmental groups have taken enforcement into their own hands. In May, Greenpeace dropped 15 limestone boulders into France's Golfe du Lion, aiming to physically block bottom trawling in a marine area that has long been designated for protection. The protected zone was established in 2008 to preserve deep-sea ecosystems, yet 12 trawlers continue to operate there, despite scientific warnings of ecological collapse, according to activist group MedReAct. The Golfe is now one of the most overfished areas in the Mediterranean. What will the conference deliver? The conference will feature 10 panels on topics such as blue finance, sustainable fisheries and plastic pollution. Deep sea mining is expected to feature in broader discussions, while small island states are likely to use the platform to advocate for increased climate adaptation funding. The outcome of these discussions will form the basis of the Nice Ocean Action Plan — a declaration of voluntary commitments to be adopted by consensus and presented at the United Nations in July. "There cannot be a healthy planet without a healthy ocean," said Peter Thomson, U.N. special envoy for the ocean. "It's urgent business for us all."
Global News
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Global News
UN Ocean Conference gets underway, advocates hope to turn promises into protection
The third U.N. Ocean Conference opened Monday as pressure mounts for nations to turn decades of promises into real protection for the sea. 'The fight for the ocean is at the heart of the yearslong battles we've been waging — for biodiversity, for climate, for our environment and for our health,' said French President Emmanuel Macron, delivering the keynote address. Just 2.7 per cent of the ocean is effectively protected from destructive extractive activities, according to the non-profit Marine Conservation Institute. That's far below the target agreed under the '30×30' pledge to conserve 30 per cent of land and sea by 2030. Ratification of the High Seas Treaty tops the agenda. Adopted in 2023, the treaty would for the first time allow nations to establish marine protected areas in international waters, which cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean and are largely ungoverned. Story continues below advertisement 'It's the Wild West out there with countries just fishing anywhere without any sort of regulation, and that needs to change,' said Mauro Randone, regional projects manager at the World Wildlife Fund's Mediterranean Marine Initiative. 'The high seas belong to everyone and no one practically at the same time, and countries are finally committing to establish some rules.' The ocean is critical in stabilizing Earth's climate and sustaining life. It generates 50 per cent of the oxygen we breathe, absorbs around 30 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions and captures more than 90 per cent of the excess heat caused by those emissions. Without a healthy ocean, experts warn, climate goals will remain out of reach. 4:14 Organization hopes to clean up the world's oceans The treaty will come into force once 60 countries ratify it. As of Monday, at least 49 countries had. Advocates hope the conference can build enough momentum to cross the threshold, which would allow for the first official Oceans Conference of Parties. Story continues below advertisement 'Two-thirds of the ocean is areas beyond national jurisdiction — that's half our planet,' said Minna Epps, director of global ocean policy at the International Union for Conservation of Nature. 'We cannot possibly protect 30 per cent of the ocean if it doesn't include the high seas.' South Korea, France and the European Union have championed the treaty, but most large ocean nations have yet to ratify it, including the rest of the G20. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Thousands of conference attendees are expected, including heads of state, scientists and industry leaders. The United States has confirmed it isn't sending a formal delegation, just observers. From protections on paper to something real The conference highlights the growing gap between marine protection declarations and real-world conservation. France, the conference co-host, claims to have surpassed the 30 per cent target for marine protection. But environmental groups say only three per cent of French waters are fully protected from harmful activities like bottom trawling and industrial fishing. In 2024, more than 100 bottom-trawling vessels were recorded spending over 17,000 hours fishing within France's six marine nature parks, according to ocean advocacy group Oceana. 'The government declares these as protected areas, but this is a lie,' said Enric Sala, founder of National Geographic Pristine Seas marine reserve project. 'Most of it is political box-ticking. It's all paper parks.' Story continues below advertisement That criticism is echoed across the continent. A new World Wildlife Fund report found that although more than 11 per cent of Europe's marine area is designated for protection, just two per cent of EU waters have management plans in place. 2:16 Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea 'dying' at deeper ocean depths than expected: scientists Fabien Boileau, director of marine protected areas at France's Office for Biodiversity, acknowledged the presence of bottom trawling in French protected areas, but said it was part of a phased strategy. 'In France, we made the choice to designate large marine protected areas with relatively low levels of regulation at first, betting that stronger protections would be developed over time through local governance,' he said. 'Today, we're gradually increasing the number of zones with stricter protections within those areas.' France's Port-Cros: A model for conservation Other marine protected areas show what real protection can achieve. Off southern France, Port-Cros National Park is one of the oldest marine reserves in the Mediterranean. Strict anchoring bans have allowed vast seagrass meadows to grow undisturbed. Massive groupers patrol rocky outcrops, brightly colored nudibranchs munch on algae and schools of large corbs glide through the shallows, undisturbed by fishing lines. Story continues below advertisement 'Thanks to the protections that have been in place since 1963, we can observe species that are much larger than elsewhere in the Mediterranean and at a much higher density than in other areas,' said Hubert Flavigny, manager of Mio Palmo dive center in Hyeres, France. Still, such examples remain exceptions. Advocates say industrial fishing lobbies continue to resist stricter protections, despite evidence that well-managed reserves boost long-term fisheries through the 'spillover effect,' whereby marine life flourishes in nearby waters. 'Protection is not the problem — overfishing is the problem,' said Sala. 'The worst enemy of the fishing industry is themselves.' View image in full screen Fish swim in the protected area of France's Port-Cros National Park ahead of the U.N. Ocean Conference, Saturday, June 7, 2025. AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag Frustrated by government inaction, environmental groups have taken enforcement into their own hands. Story continues below advertisement In May, Greenpeace dropped 15 limestone boulders into France's Golfe du Lion, aiming to physically block bottom trawling in a marine area that has long been designated for protection. The protected zone was established in 2008 to preserve deep-sea ecosystems, yet 12 trawlers continue to operate there, despite scientific warnings of ecological collapse, according to activist group MedReAct. The Golfe is now one of the most overfished areas in the Mediterranean. 2:41 'What happens in Antarctica doesn't stay,' UN warns as world's largest iceberg starts shifting What will the conference deliver? The conference will feature 10 panels on topics such as blue finance, sustainable fisheries and plastic pollution. Deep sea mining is expected to feature in broader discussions, while small island states are likely to use the platform to advocate for increased climate adaptation funding. Story continues below advertisement The outcome of these discussions will form the basis of the Nice Ocean Action Plan — a declaration of voluntary commitments to be adopted by consensus and presented at the United Nations in July. 'There cannot be a healthy planet without a healthy ocean,' said Peter Thomson, U.N. special envoy for the ocean. 'It's urgent business for us all.' –with files from The Associated Press' Matthew Daly
