In March, 190 nations agreed on protecting the high seas more than they used to in the past. We are talking about the 60% of the oceans that are not the territory of island or coastal states. Surprisingly extensive regulations were earmarked – reaching from the determination of protected areas to verifying the environmental compatibility of research projects and plans of raw material extraction. * (translated from German). Apparently against the votes of China and Russia, who tried to enforce a veto right for themselves. However, the specific measures are yet to be negotiated. And: At least 60 states must ratify the treaty in order for it to become effective.

The Problem: Companies from the 10 richest states already own 90% of all patents on marine genetic resources – and have therefore the prospect of a billion dollar business with medication and cosmetics.* (translated from German) And we haven’t even talked about mineral resources like Manganese and Cobalt. So, lots of reasons for a conflict between island and coastal states, particularly in the global south. At least there is one compromise. The profits from biomedical marine research are partially going into a fund which can by used by poorer countries to finance their marine protection projects. Let’s hope that it works.

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*Source: www.zeit.de/2023/11/new-york-schutz-hochsee-abkommen-un