Protecting the No-Man’s Seas

Legal experts gathered in Monaco to explore protecting the oceans beyond the jurisdictions of nations

Nearly two-thirds of the ocean, half of the world’s surface, lies beyond the jurisdiction of nations.

This December, legal experts gathered in Monaco to discuss how to allow 1972 World Heritage Convention to protect high seas. The lack of procedures to cover these remote areas might be a mere historic oversight, and minor modifications could allow the Convention to expand its protection over those areas.

The first report by UNESCO and IUCN identified initial five locations in the High Seas that carry the potential outstanding value: Costa Rica Thermal Dome, The Lost City Hydrothermal Field, The White Shark Café, The Sargasso Sea, and The Atlantis Bank.

Way to finish the year on the positive note!