France pushes for action as high seas treaty hangs in the balance

The high seas cover more than 60 percent of the world’s oceans, but just 1 percent is currently protected. ASSOCIATED PRESS - Gerald Herbert

After decades of negotiations, a landmark treaty to protect the world’s high seas stands at a turning point – and France is urging countries to ratify it before a major UN ocean summit opens in Nice next month.

The High Seas Treaty, adopted in June 2023 by 193 countries, aims to protect international waters that cover nearly half the planet.