Governing the high seas: half the planet that belongs to us all
This IIED poster highlights the importance of protecting the high seas through good governance.
The term 'high seas' refers to the open ocean, also known as areas beyond national jurisdiction. The poster highlights their value: rich in marine life, their resources are used in medicine and industry. The high seas also connect to coastal waters which support millions of livelihoods - but the high seas remain largely unregulated.
The poster calls for
• A governing body to manage biodiversity in the high seas
• Protection for fragile ecosystems
• Fair sharing of data, knowledge and marine genetic resources between nations
It says that these steps would lead to a thriving ocean and sustainable livelihoods.
IIED has also released an animation which explains how a new international agreement on conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in the high seas could protects these regions and the people who depend on them. You can watch this animation on our Youtube channel
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The poster is part of IIED's work on improving ocean governance and supporting sustainable fisheries. Read more: Moving towards an inclusive blue economy