United Nations conference chair and Singapore’s Ambassador for Oceans and Law of the Sea Issues Rena Lee announced a historic international treaty to protect the high seas, which covers nearly half the planet.

This deal is seen as vital to conserving 30% of the world’s lands and ocean by 2020, as agreed to by about 190 nations during last year’s UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal. Known as “30×30” this initiative would place 30% of land and sea under protection. This agreement is necessary to try and halt an ongoing biodiversity crisis that threatens 1 million species with extinction, and endangers our food and water supplies.

Statement by James Gamble, Arctic Program Director and Interim Marine Protected Areas Director, Pacific Environment:

“The High Seas Treaty is a historic decision that builds momentum for making the 30×30 initiative a reality. This is a win for species on the brink and for humanity facing food and water crises. We applaud the United Nations and United Nations conference chair and Singapore’s Ambassador for Oceans and Law of the Sea Issues Rena Lee for getting this historic treaty over the finish line to protect the world’s oceans and our very existence. We urge countries to follow up on their commitments and implement new Marine Protected Areas as quickly as possible.”

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