A new United Nations (UN) treaty was recently finalized by the international community to protect and sustainably manage marine biodiversity on the high seas and the deep seabed, but at the same time, mining for minerals in these areas appears to be about to start in order to support the electric revolution required to reduce carbon emissions.
Nearly two-thirds of the earth is made up of the areas outside of national borders, where experts believe there are over 2.2 million species, 90% of which are still unclassified. Over 80% of the world's oceans have not yet been charted, seen, or explored. Not only are there new and amazing flora and animals to be found in the deep water, but there are also novel pharmaceuticals and treatments developed from this abundant biodiversity that are assisting us in the fight against cancer and HIV.
By establishing a mechanism to safeguard fragile species and their ecosystems through the use of "area-based management tools," such as marine protected areas (i.e. parks in the oceans), the new UN treaty represents a significant milestone for the conservation of life in the oceans. Additionally, it creates a framework for the distribution of the advantages associated with marine genetic resources, which serve as the basis for future biological discoveries and products like new medications.