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High Seas Treaty: searching for common grounds

The G20 can help steer the successful implementation of the newly agreed UN High Seas Treaty. However, given the current geopolitical landscape, lessons should be learned from past experiences of “securitization” of other ocean treaties.

This brief is part of T20 2023, hosted by India.

Citation

Barquet, K., Leander, E., Gunnarsson, M., Green, J., & Watt, R. (2023). High Seas Treaty: searching for common grounds. Think20. https://t20ind.org/research/high-seas-treaty-searching-for-common-grounds/

Waves and coral reef from above, Indian Ocean, Mauritius

Waves and coral reef from above, Indian Ocean, Mauritius. Photo: Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld / Getty Images.

The High Seas Treaty will impact other agreements that the G20 members are party to, including the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 30X30 target, regional ocean agreements, and the G7’s Ocean Deal. Building on the lessons learned from the global governance of the Southern Ocean, this policy brief explores governance of areas beyond national jurisdiction, against the contemporary geopolitical backdrop.

The authors recommend that the G20 support the High Seas Treaty by: pushing for high environmental standards, reducing the space for ambiguity and securitization by framing clear treaty texts, supporting the establishment of an empowered scientific and technical body, supporting ecosystem-based marine spatial planning, providing a forum for bilateral dialogues, and ensuring equity and representation in all negotiations.

SEI authors

Karina Barquet
Karina Barquet

Team Leader: Water, Coasts and Ocean; Senior Research Fellow

SEI Headquarters

Elin Leander
Elin Leander

Research Fellow

SEI Headquarters

Matilda Gunnarsson
Matilda Gunnarsson

Research Associate

SEI Headquarters

Jonathan Green profile picture
Jonathan Green

Senior Researcher

SEI York

Robert Watt
Robert Watt

Engagement Director

SEI Headquarters

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