UN Pushes US to Ratify Law of the Sea as Trump Skips Conference
The UN conference on oceans in Nice, France, aimed to accelerate action and mobilize actors for conservation and sustainable use. Notably, President Donald Trump did not send a delegation, despite most countries' commitment to caring for the seas. The conference sought to pressure the USA to ratify the Law of the Sea, which regulates its use and distribution.
The Law of the Sea, a significant step towards regulating ocean use, does not address pre-existing territorial disputes like those in the South China Sea. Both previous Republican and Democratic administrations attempted to ratify it but faced political opposition. China, despite ratifying the Law of the Sea, has not always adhered to it, particularly in the South China Sea. The conference in Nice aimed to pressure the USA to ratify, but received less attention due to other global events.
David Attenborough's documentary 'Ocean' emphasizes the importance of oceans for the planet's survival. Germany, though not yet having ratified the High Seas Treaty, plans to do so in 2026 after revising its legal framework. Once the USA ratifies the Law of the Sea, pressure will be on other dissenting states to follow suit.
The UN conference on oceans in Nice highlighted the need for global cooperation in caring for the seas. Despite the USA's absence and China's mixed adherence, the Law of the Sea remains a crucial tool for regulating ocean use. With Germany planning to ratify the High Seas Treaty and pressure mounting on the USA, progress in ocean conservation may be on the horizon.
