UN secretary-general António Guterres described the deal as a “breakthrough” after nearly two decades of talks which began in 2004.
“This action is a victory for multilateralism and for global efforts to counter the destructive trends facing ocean health, now and for generations to come,” he said.
Referred to as the ‘High Seas Treaty’, the legal framework would place 30 per cent of the world’s oceans into protected areas, put more money into marine conservation, and covers the use of marine genetic resources.
The treaty is considered to be crucial for addressing crises including climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
It is an update on the UN’s Convention on the Law of the Sea, which was adopted in 1982, and laid down rules governing the use of the oceans and their resources.
“It is also vital for achieving ocean-related goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework...