A fresh U.N. treaty to save the world’s oceans is anticipated to be signed by several nations on Wednesday, another proceeding in the attempts to reverse the destruction done to sensitive marine environments by overfishing and other human actions. The global pact to save biodiversity on the high seas was finally agreed in March and officially adopted by the United Nations in June. It is recognised as an important tool to meet a target agreed last year to save 30% of the earth’s land and sea by 2030, known as “30 by 30”.
At least 60 nations are anticipated to sign the agreement at the yearly United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday. However, it still requires to be approved on a national level before it goes into effect. Mads Christensen, interim executive director of Greenpeace International, described the signings as a “strong gesture” and support to keep up the momentum to meet the “30 by 30” target. “But this signing is a completely symbolic moment,” he conveyed. Currently politicians must bring the treaty home and make sure it is approved in record time.