Türkiye signs UN agreement to protect marine biodiversity

Accord focuses on protecting biodiversity in international waters, areas not covered by national jurisdictions

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan signed a UN agreement Friday to protect and sustainably use marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions during the UN General Assembly meetings in New York. Fidan signed the "United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea" on the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, territorial seas, continental shelves and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), according to diplomatic sources. The accord emphasizes the need for marine protected areas, area-based management tools and environmental affect assessments for planned activities. The process for states to become parties to the agreement was initiated with Fidan's signing of the participation document. It ensures equitable sharing of benefits from marine discoveries, promotes good governance of the high seas and supports capacity-building for developing nations. Türkiye remains committed to contributing to international efforts on environmental protection and maritime law, said sources. Under the principle of "freedom of the high seas," one of the cornerstone principles of international maritime law, high seas areas are open for use by all states. The areas, referred to as global commons, are not owned by any specific nation. Less than 1% of the high seas, however, which make up two-thirds of the world's oceans, are protected. The excessive and uncontrolled activities in those areas are damaging the marine environment and resources.