The oceans generate 50 percent of the world’s oxygen supply, create 30 million jobs and provide food for more than three billion people. The seas and oceans – which cover around 71 percent of the Earth’s surface – are indispensable for life on the planet. Overfishing, plastic pollution, global warming and the progressive destruction of marine habitats are increasingly throwing the oceans out of balance.

Despite their great importance, only five percent of the oceans are protected, and the financial resources required for the sustainable development and use of the world’s oceans – one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – are widely considered inadequate. This is set to change soon. After years of negotiations, the UN High Seas Agreement was concluded in 2023. This obliges the 190 signatory states to designate 30 percent of the oceans as protected areas by 2030. According to scientists, this level is sufficient for the restoration of marine ecosystems, which in turn would make a direct contribution to food security: The healthier the oceans, the greater the fish supply, for example.

This content was produced by the Sustainable Switzerland Editorial Team on behalf of ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆÔÚÏß.