UN Adopts Historic Treaty , to Protect Biodiversity , in the High Seas.<br />On June 19, the United Nations adopted a new treaty aimed at protecting marine life in the oceans.<br />'TIME' reports that delegates from 193 member nations marked the unopposed passage of the historic treaty with a sustained standing ovation.<br />The announcement was made by Singapore's ambassador on ocean issues, Rena Lee, who presided over negotiations regarding the treaty.<br />The announcement was made by Singapore's ambassador on ocean issues, Rena Lee, who presided over negotiations regarding the treaty.<br />'TIME' reports that only about 1% of <br />the high seas are currently protected.<br />The treaty aims at specifically protecting <br />biodiversity in waters outside of national borders, <br />otherwise referred to as the high seas.<br />The treaty aims at specifically protecting <br />biodiversity in waters outside of national borders, <br />otherwise referred to as the high seas.<br />The treaty to protect the high seas, which <br />cover roughly half of the earth's surface, <br />has been debated for over 20 years.<br />Once ratified by 60 member nations, a new U.N. <br />body will be created to establish protected areas <br />and oversee the conservation of ocean life.<br />Once ratified by 60 member nations, a new U.N. <br />body will be created to establish protected areas <br />and oversee the conservation of ocean life.<br />'TIME' reports that the treaty will also establish a <br />framework of rules for conducting assessments of <br />the environmental impact of commercial activities.<br />'TIME' reports that the treaty will also establish a <br />framework of rules for conducting assessments of <br />the environmental impact of commercial activities.<br />According to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, <br />the world's oceans are facing threats on <br />multiple fronts, as rising sea temperatures alter , "marine ecosystems and the species living there.".<br />'TIME' reports that Geterres added that <br />biodiversity in the world's oceans are, "under attack from overfishing, <br />over-exploitation and ocean acidification.”
