《海洋生物多样性协定》生效 全球海洋保护迎来历史性时刻

Core Viewpoint - The "Marine Biodiversity Agreement," the world's first legally binding international treaty for the protection of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, officially came into effect on January 17, marking a historic moment for global ocean protection after nearly 20 years of negotiations [1]. Group 1 - The agreement, formally titled "Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," began negotiations in 2004 and was finalized at the first United Nations Ocean Conference in New York in 2023 [1]. - The agreement covers nearly half of the Earth's surface, addressing ecological threats such as destructive fishing, shipping pollution, plastic waste, and potential deep-sea mining activities, all exacerbated by climate change [1]. - The treaty provides legal regulations for establishing marine protected areas on the high seas for the first time, filling a gap in international maritime law [1]. Group 2 - As of the day before the agreement's enactment, 83 countries, including major marine nations like China, had completed the ratification process [2]. - The United States has signed the agreement but has not yet ratified it, thus participating as an observer in subsequent meetings without voting rights [2].