Historic Marine Protection for Antarctica
An agreement has been reached to protect a vast area of the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica.
The agreement, which was reached at a meeting of the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), will create the world's largest marine protected area (MPA). The MPA will cover an area of 1.55 million square kilometers (600,000 square miles) and will include the Ross Sea, one of the most pristine and productive marine ecosystems on Earth.
The MPA will provide vital protection for a number of threatened and endangered species, including penguins, seals, and whales.
It will also help to conserve the Southern Ocean's unique biodiversity and ensure that it remains a healthy and productive ecosystem for future generations.
The agreement is the result of years of negotiations between CCAMLR members, including the United States, the European Union, and China.
It is a major breakthrough and a significant step forward in the protection of the Southern Ocean. Read more
The MPA will be managed by a committee of experts from CCAMLR member countries.
The committee will be responsible for developing and implementing a management plan for the MPA, which will include measures to protect the area's marine life and ensure that it is used sustainably.
The agreement is a major victory for conservationists and a significant step forward in the protection of the Southern Ocean.
It is a testament to the power of international cooperation and the importance of protecting our planet's oceans. Read more