Fish stocks are being wiped out - Photo:canva.com
Protect the world’s oceans.
On 19th June, the United Nations formally adopted the historic High Seas Treaty. The high seas are oceans that exist outside the boundaries of national regulations and laws, and make up sixty percent of the world’s oceans. The High Seas Treaty therefore marks a significant step forward in the protection of marine ecosystems and seabeds and the equitable sharing of resources across a huge area of the Earth’s surface.
In December 2022, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework agreement included a goal for at least thirty percent of the world lands, inland waters and marine and coastal areas to be effectively conserved and managed by 2030. The High Seas Treaty is aligned to the 30 x 30 goal of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
The High Seas Treaty was made open for member nations to sign at the United Nations General Assembly on 30th September. By signing up, countries indicate a willingness to apply the High Seas Treaty in their national laws. This is a necessary step for the High Seas Treaty to enter into international force. Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, countries in the region of Oceania where Columban missionaries live and serve, have signed the High Seas Treaty.
Coastal communities in Fiji and other Pacific Island nations rely heavily on the ocean for their lives and livelihoods. Industrial scale fishing that wipe out fish stocks, drive local peoples further and further out to sea to obtain their food and make ends meet. Pollution of oceans internationally comes from plastics, agricultural run-off, shipping, the exploration for fossil fuels and minerals as well as pharmaceutical sources. Climate change is another major threat to oceans. Whilst high level mechanisms and ongoing advocacy to ensure implementation of regulations are key, there are steps for all levels of societies to review lifestyle and consumption patterns that contribute to the demise of ocean life.
The Australian Guide to Laudato Si’ Planning was launched during the Season of Creation by Catholic Earthcare Australia to help Catholics and Catholic communities reflect, self-assess, plan and act in “the practice of integral ecology, of how everything is connected.” The seven Laudato Si’ goals to guide action are practical and meant for anyone. Response to the cry of the Earth, Response to the cry of the poor, Adopt sustainable lifestyles, Ecological education and so on.
Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM
Peace, Ecology and Justice Office
Columban Mission Centre, Essendon
Related links
