The Agreement was adopted in June 2023 and has already been signed by 145 countries, of which 81 have completed the ratification process.
Based on the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the new document significantly strengthens the legal framework for the protection of approximately two-thirds of the world's oceans. It creates the necessary conditions for international and inter-agency cooperation in the study of the ocean and its resources.
The implementation of the agreement will be of great significance for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to the ocean, as well as for fulfilling the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework for Biodiversity.
The statement emphasizes that "millions of tons of plastic waste and toxic chemicals threaten coastal ecosystems, leading to the death of fish, sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals or causing them serious harm. Additionally, hazardous particles enter human food products. In 2021, more than 17 million tons of plastic were dumped into the ocean, accounting for 85% of all marine debris. Forecasts indicate that this volume could double or triple annually. If no action is taken, by 2050, the amount of plastic in the sea could exceed the amount of fish," the statement notes.
According to the agreement, responsibility for ocean pollution lies with the offenders, and mechanisms for dispute resolution are established. All parties are required to assess the environmental impact of their activities when undertaking planned actions in waters beyond their jurisdiction.
Scientists estimate that nearly 200,000 species of marine organisms have already been described, but the actual number may be significantly higher.
