African and Commonwealth Nations Push for High Seas Treaty Implementation

African and Commonwealth countries have stressed the urgent need to implement the landmark High Seas Treaty signed recently. This call was made at the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, marking the first time an African nation hosted this major event focused on critical ocean issues like climate change, biodiversity, and pollution.

The conference brought together delegates from Africa, the United States, the European Union, as well as Caribbean and Pacific island nations vulnerable to climate impacts. These leaders aim to position Africa as a significant player in global ocean governance. During the Commonwealth Ocean Ministers’ Roundtable, former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry highlighted the treaty as a historic milestone since it offers a legal framework for creating protected areas in international waters. He emphasized the need for faster progress.

“We have 10% of the ocean under protection this year,” Kerry stated. “That is worth marking. But only 3% is highly or fully protected, and the remaining protections are merely lines on a map.”

Kerry noted that industrial fishing continues to deplete marine resources, urging nations to ratify and implement the treaty without delay. Decision-making on the treaty’s future is set for next year.

Officially named the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, the treaty aims to help countries protect 30% of global land and oceans by 2030. Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho, stressed the need for actionable steps rather than just declarations of intent. He highlighted that the One Ocean Conference has accumulated over 2,900 pledges, valued at more than $169 billion, since 2014, underlining the challenge of converting them into sustainable management of marine ecosystems.

The Commonwealth countries, which account for 36% of the world’s ocean jurisdiction and nearly half of coral reefs, face a unique responsibility to protect marine areas. Meanwhile, Africa is increasing its role in ocean conservation.

“A region long described as a victim of ocean exploitation is now choosing to lead instead,” Kerry commented, lauding African nations’ efforts.

In particular, the East African region has developed integrated coastal management plans, expanded marine protected areas, and intensified actions against illegal fishing. The 640-kilometer coastline and extensive exclusive economic zone are crucial for sectors like fisheries and tourism.

Delegates concur that the upcoming months are pivotal in determining whether the treaty becomes a substantial tool for ocean conservation or another set of unfulfilled promises.