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 ‘securitisation’ of other ocean treaties. This is particularly important as 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 learnt from the global governance of the Southern Ocean, this policy brief explores governance of areas beyond national jurisdiction, against the contemporary geopolitical backdrop. We recommend that the G20 support the High Seas Treaty by pushing for high environmental standards, reducing the space for ambiguity and securitisation 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.