The Federal Government signed an international agreement to protect the world’s oceans at the UN General Assembly in New York. Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens) spoke of a “historic day”. Until now, the high seas were de facto a lawless area. That is now changing. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (also a Green Party) spoke of a “glimmer of hope for the world’s oceans, a glimmer of hope for the people of this world, but also a glimmer of hope for the United Nations.”
The pact creates the basis for the designation of large protected areas on the high seas. In addition, procedures are established to examine economic projects, expeditions and other activities in the oceans for their environmental impact. Two thirds of the world’s ocean areas belong to the high seas and have not previously been subject to any rules for marine protection.
After years of negotiations, 80 states finally signed the agreement; at least 60 were needed for it to come into force. Once all of these 60 countries have ratified the law and deposited their instruments of ratification with the United Nations, the agreement can enter into force 120 days later.
“We in Germany will now do everything we can to make ratification as quick as possible,” said Lemke. Since all democratic parties in the Bundestag support the relevant law, they do not expect any problems.