OR World Treaty for Oceans It recently received the required 60 validations, marking a historic turning point in the global effort to protect marine ecosystems. This development creates the conditions for the practical implementation of the Treaty, however, immediate and substantial action is required by countries before the first global COP conference (COP) for the oceans.

Today, only 0.9% of the open sea is under strict protection regime. The new treaty is considered vital for the expansion of marine shelters, mitigating the climate crisis and ensuring food safety for billions of people dependent on oceans. According to an analysis by international Greenpeace, to protect 30% of the open seas by 2030, governments will have to adopt protection in more than 12 million square kilometers a year for the next five years.

Mads Christensen, General Manager of Greenpeace International, stressed that this was a historic moment and called on governments to move immediately. As he pointed out, “scientists are clear that we must protect at least 30% of the oceans by 2030, and time is over.”

The immediate mobilization of governments is necessary to exploit the coming months to create new marine shelters. These areas must be substantially protected, ensuring the preventing destructive human activities, as opposed to several existing maritime protected areas that remain only on paper.

In addition, the effective implementation of the Treaty requires procedures without time -consuming delays and independence from bodies such as regional fisheries management organizations, which have been criticized for ocean management. The development of shelters must be based on scientific data and on the participation of local communities and indigenous populations, so that protection is socially fair and documented.

The treaty is expected to enter into force in 120 days, paving the way for the first COP for the oceans, estimated to take place in 2026. Greenpeace calls on countries that have not yet ratified the treaty to do so immediately in order to participate in the negotiations.

At the same time, Greenpeace is calling on governments to agree on a moratorium on deep water extraction, warning the risk of irreparable damage to the oceans.

As far as Greece is concerned, the announcement of two new maritime protected areas in the Ionian and Aegean, as well as the ratification of the global ocean treaty, are boosting the country’s commitment to achieve the 30×30 goal. However, it is noted that the rapid completion and institutionalization of the protected areas, as well as the establishment of presidential decrees and laws that will ensure the protection scheme is required.

Achieving the quantitative goal of 30% must be the starting point for further measures, such as the expansion of protected areas, the creation of ecological corridors and the establishment of absolute protection areas. At the same time, the rationalization of the seas management and management system is necessary for the effective protection of ecosystems.

At this juncture, the validation of the treaty and initiatives for new protected areas can be important steps to ensure the long -term protection of the Greek seas, with a clear strategic planning and the prospect of expanding the protection of more than 30%.