The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution giving a green light to develop a new treaty for the conservation of marine life in the high seas. The resolution, adopted by consensus on Friday, launches the first global treaty process related to the oceans in over two decades and the first on the protection and sustainable use of animal and plant life in sea areas beyond the territorial jurisdiction of any country. In authorizes a preparatory committee to meet in 2017 and 2017 and make recommendations on provisions for legally binding legal instrument under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea - and the General Assembly. It says the 193-member world body will decide in 2018 on convening a formal treaty negotiating conference.

UN gives green light for treaty on high seas conservation. (2015, June 25). The Philippine Star, p. B-6.