Wed Sep 18 18:38:00 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Urged to Ratify Global Ocean Treaty Ahead of Presidential Election

**Colombo, Sri Lanka** – Greenpeace South Asia has issued a public call to all Sri Lankan Presidential candidates to pledge their commitment to signing and ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty once in office. The Treaty, also known as the High Seas Treaty, aims to protect marine biodiversity and combat climate change by establishing large-scale ocean sanctuaries in international waters.

The treaty, agreed upon by UN member states in March 2023, requires ratification by at least 60 countries before it can enter into force. Currently, only eight countries have completed the ratification process, leaving a significant gap to be filled.

“The High Seas are home to millions of species and ecosystems, but less than 1% are fully protected,” said Greenpeace South Asia Deputy Program Director for Engagement Gayani Chathurika Punchihewa. “Our oceans are running out of time – the era of ocean destruction must come to an end.”

Greenpeace argues that the treaty’s ratification is critical for Sri Lanka, a nation vulnerable to climate change impacts. The organization emphasizes that a healthy ocean is essential for climate regulation, food security, and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The treaty will provide a legal framework for establishing marine protected areas in the High Seas, which will help protect at least 30% of the oceans by 2030, a global commitment agreed upon under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The call to action comes as Sri Lanka prepares for its Presidential election on September 21, 2024. Greenpeace hopes that the next president will prioritize the ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty, positioning Sri Lanka as a leader in ocean protection.

“We respectfully urge you to make this public commitment for the ratification of the High Seas Treaty by Sri Lanka, prior to the Presidential election,” states Greenpeace South Asia in their letter to the candidates.

The organization is calling on the Sri Lankan people to engage with their elected officials and urge them to prioritize the health of the ocean by ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty.

Read More