Ocean Protection Pact Can Take Effect in January: Macron

The international treaty on the high seas, which focuses on conservation and sustainable use of maritime areas beyond national jurisdictions, has received sufficient support to take effect early in 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron said on June 9.

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Speaking at the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, Mr Macron said 55 countries' ratifications of the treaty have been completed, around 15 are in progress with a definite date, and another 15 will be completed by the end of the year, meaning that the required 60 ratifications will be achieved.

"This means that this treaty will be able to enter into force on Jan 1 of next year, which means we would finally have an international framework to regulate and administer the high seas," Mr Macron said at the closing of the first day of the conference, which is being held for the first time in the French city of Nice.

The High Seas Treaty, adopted in 2023, would permit countries to establish marine parks in international waters, which cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean and are largely unregulated. Hitherto, only an estimated 1 per cent of international waters, known as the "high seas", have been protected.

The treaty comes into force once 60 countries ratify it.