The Philippines joined over 60 other countries at the United Nations in signing the first-ever treaty on protecting the international high seas, raising hopes that it will come into force soon and protect threatened ecosystems vital to the planet. The treaty, officially known as the treaty on “Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction,” or BBNJ, also introduces requirements to carry out environmental impact studies for proposed activities on the high seas.

Requejo, R. E. (2023, September 22). PH, 60 countries sign treaty protecting high seas. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.