On March 4th, after 10 years of difficult talks, nearly 200 countries agreed to a new UN agreement—the High Seas Treaty (《公海保护协议》). It is the first of its kind in 40 years.
Oceans cover about 71% of the earth's surface, and are home to all kinds of animals and plants. Healthy oceans play a very important role in a healthy planet. Overfishing (过度捕捞) has had terrible influence on many kinds of fish and other animals. Pollution has caused serious damage (破坏) in many areas.
In 1982, one UN sea agreement described the "high seas" — the parts of the oceans that aren't controlled by any country. The high seas cover about 2/3 of the ocean. But now only 1.2% of these areas are protected. It also requires that research should first be done to see what influence human's activities might have on the ocean environment.
During the past 10 years, the talks were held time and time again. For example, there are disagreements about how much to control fishing or pollution. Now the agreement has a long way to go, which must be officially accepted at a UN meeting and be supported by enough countries before it works.
| A. But the oceans are in trouble. B. And it's a great achievement in protecting the world's oceans. C. The agreement was finally reached after difficult discussions. D. So all countries have the right (权利) to fish and send ships there. E. That is because different countries have their own different ideas. F. The new agreement sets a goal to turn 30% of the high seas into protected areas. |
