During the U.N. Ocean Conference in France, 18 countries ratified the High Seas Treaty, bringing the total to 49 and inching closer to the 60-country threshold for the treaty to take effect. This surge in support at the conference in Nice, France, signals a significant shift in global ocean governance.

The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, is a landmark agreement aimed at safeguarding marine biodiversity in international waters. Covering nearly two-thirds of the ocean and almost half of the Earth's surface, these waters have lacked a comprehensive legal framework for conservation efforts.

Under increasing threats from overfishing, climate change, and deep-sea mining, the high seas require urgent protection to prevent irreversible damage to marine ecosystems. The treaty is crucial in achieving the global goal of protecting 30% of the planet's land and sea by 2030.

By establishing a legal process for creating marine protected areas, setting rules for activities like deep-sea mining, and promoting collaboration among nations, the treaty paves the way for effective conservation efforts. Decisions under the treaty will be made collectively through conferences of parties (COPs), ensuring a multilateral approach to ocean protection.

Once 60 countries ratify the treaty, a 120-day countdown begins before it officially comes into force. With 49 countries and the EU having ratified so far, only 11 more ratifications are needed to trigger this countdown. The pace of progress towards the treaty's entry into force has been described as record-breaking.

The first Conference of the Parties (COP1) will convene within a year of the treaty's entry into force to set the stage for implementation. Environmental groups are urging swift ratifications to enhance the treaty's effectiveness and inclusivity. The surge in support for the treaty signals a potential milestone in high seas protection.