At a historic moment for the protection of the oceans, the World Treaty on Oceans recently reached 60 validation, thus paving the way for its practical implementation, according to Greenpeace.

It is emphasized that this important moment must be accompanied by an emergency with action by the countries, and certainly before the first global conference of the parties (COP) for the oceans is under discussion.

According to the organization, with only 0.9% of the open sea being a complete or high protection regime, the treaty is vital to the expansion of protection, the creation of marine shelters, which contribute to the mitigation of the climate crisis, and to ensure food safety.

An analysis of the international Greenpeace revealed that in order to protect 30% of the open sea by 2030, governments should protect more than 12 million square meters. km each year for the next five years, extending greater than Canada’s size.

Mads Christensen, General Manager of Greenpeace International, said: “This is a historic moment for the protection of the oceans and a proof that countries can work together to protect our blue planet. The era of exploitation and destruction must be over and the world for oceans is the tool that will succeed.

But we must not be complacent: Scientists are clear that we must protect at least 30% of the oceans by 2030 and time is over. Governments around the world must begin to draw up plans for the first shelters under the treaty. The oceans cannot wait, not even us. “

The treaty will enter into force in 120 days, paving the way for the first COP for the oceans, which will probably take place in 2026. Greenpeace calls on those countries that have not validated the treaty to do so immediately before the first COP for the oceans. If they do not, they will not have a place on the negotiating table.

Always according to the Greenpeace announcement, as for our country, with the announcement of the two new marine protected areas (NPPs) in the Ionian and Aegean and the ratification of the World Oceans Treaty, Greece covers the important target of 30×30 and enters the group of countries.

However, the substantial integration and institutionalization of the NPPs is of great importance. Completion of the consultation (22/9) must be followed immediately by the issuance of presidential decrees and the adoption of a law that will introduce the NPPs under protection. It is warned that the significant fulfillment of the quantitative target of 30% should be the starting point and not the backdrop of sea protection.

According to the organization, it is necessary to commit to expanding the NPPs, establishing ecological corridors and the establishment of absolute protection areas (10%).

Finally, in order for the NPPs and the 30×30 fulfillment to accomplish, in fact, the purpose of the substantive protection of the sea and ecosystems, the rationalization and clarification of the management and administration system is necessary.

As the organization points out, at this critical juncture, it is necessary to ratify the global Greek Oceans Treaty and the announcement of the NPPs to be essential steps for sea protection, with long -term planning, management system and 30%expansion.