Context: The director general of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), urged countries worldwide “to strive for a fully functional High Seas Biodiversity Treaty” on World Oceans Day 2024.

World Oceans Day 2024

• Background: It was first proposed during the Earth Summit held in Rio De Janeiro in 1992.
• Recognized Date: The United Nations has officially recognized 8 June since 2008.
• Powered by: Youth Advisory Council
• Theme 2024: Awaken New Depths
• Action Theme 2024: Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate.
• Global Engagement: It works with its global network of youth leaders and over 2,000 organizations in 150+ countries.
• Mission: World Ocean Day catalyzes collective action for a healthy ocean and a stable climate.

High Seas Biodiversity Treaty

• About: In June 2023, the United Nations adopted a new treaty known as the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (‘BBNJ’).
• Commonly referred to as: The High Seas Biodiversity Treaty.
• Signatories: More than 70 nations including nine ACAP Parties have signed the Agreement.
• Ratified: So far, 88 countries are signatories to the treaty. Only two Chile and Palau have ratified it so far. 
• Scope The High Seas Treaty is designed to govern areas beyond national jurisdiction, encompassing the high seas and the seabed beyond the limits defined under UNCLOS. 

oNotably, it does not extend to Australian waters.

• Objectives: To promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in these areas, addressing gaps in existing international law.