“We need our oceans, they keep our planet habitable…”

Lfuture of the oceans is being played out this week at United Nations (At New York), where governments negotiate a new treaty on the high seas. The outcome will determine the fate of our Blue Planet for centuries to come.

We need our oceans. They keep our planet habitable. They provide food and livelihoods for billions of people and are home to much of our planet’s biodiversity.

Read also Article reserved for our subscribers Biodiversity in the high seas: “Let’s give rights to plankton to make its activity visible”

But they are in crisis. From industrial fishing to deep-sea mining, the oceans face many threats. Fortunately, more than a hundred governments have joined the scientists in supporting a solution: to protect at least 30% of the oceans by 2030, the objective dubbed ” 30×30 in order to give them the necessary space to reconstitute themselves.

Outside national jurisdictions

This objective is impossible to achieve without a solid agreement.

Currently, governments have no way to protect the high seas, that is, waters beyond national jurisdiction. A strong treaty would remedy this situation by allowing the creation of vast marine sanctuaries, forbidden to destructive human activities.

Read also: Article reserved for our subscribers Protection of biodiversity in the high seas: the outlines of an international treaty are becoming clearer

Action is urgent. Governments began discussing a new treaty almost twenty years ago. As they chatted, the ocean crisis escalated. Countless species and habitats have been destroyed and even lost.

A strong treaty would be a hope for the future of the oceans and for the billions of people who depend on them.

Hurry up

A weak treaty, or any further delay, would make 30×30 virtually impossible. It would be a slap in the face for anyone who trusted political leaders to keep their promises.

Also read the column: Article reserved for our subscribers “To protect the high seas, the time is no longer for half measures”

More than five million people have joined us to call for action to protect the oceans and secure a strong agreement.

Now it’s up to the negotiators to protect the oceans. Hurry up. The world is watching us. The future is watching us.

The signatories: Rosanna Arquetteactress and activist; Hayley Atwellactress ; Alec Baldwinactor and activist; Javier Bardemactor ; carlos bardemactor ; Lily Colemodel ; Fearne Cottontelevision presenter; Laura Dern, actress ; David de RothschildExplorer ; Shepard Faireyartist and activist; Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstallchief to cook ; Jane Fondaactress and activist; Silvia FreyKYMA Sea Conservation & Research; Stephen Fryactor ; Alvaro Longoriadirector and activist; Robert Lindsayactor ; Joanna Lumleyactress and activist; Will McCallumHead of Oceans, Greenpeace UK; Adam McKayauthor, director and producer; Helen Mirrenactress ; arizona musemodel ; Cornelia NauenMundus Maris – Science and Arts for Sustainability; Vicki Nichols GoldsteinInland Ocean Coalition; Namemodel and activist; Farah ObaidullahWomen4Oceans; Lillian Onoclimate activist; Chris Packhamfacilitator; Piper Peraboactor ; Michael Palinactor ; Grag Queensinger and activist; India Relph and Sally Ranneyco-founders of GlobalChoices; Mark Rylanceactor ; Susan Sarandonactress and activist; Andrew Sharplessdirector of Oceana; Alejandro Sanzsinger ; Gustaf Skarsgardactor and environmentalist; Alex Smolinskypresident of the International Shark Project; Brett Sommermeyerdirector of Law of the Wild; Alison Sudolsinger, actress and activist; Masahiro Takemotodiver and ecologist; Ted Turnerfounding member, Ocean Elders; Amber Vallettamodel and activist; Shailene Woodleyactress and ocean advocate; Bonnie Wrightdirector and author; Sindhu Vee, actress ; Daisuke Yosumiauthor and naturalist.