U.N. top court rules a healthy environment is a human right
The court's advisory opinion stems from a sustained campaign led by Vanuatu and supported by 130 U.N. member nations.
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)
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Trump orders U.S. to expedite permits for deep seabed mining
The order would allow exploratory mining of the ocean floor that is overseen by an organization the U.S. hasn't joined.
Small island nations ask U.N. tribunal for climate opinion
The request is based on "the fundamental importance of the oceans as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases and the direct relevance of the marine environment to the adverse effects of climate change on small island states."
Talks fail to clinch global ocean treaty
Diplomats suspended talks after they could not agree on a proposed treaty to protect marine species and minerals in high seas covering 43% of Earth.
New talks set for U.N. high seas treaty proposal
Proponents of a U.N. global high seas treaty for protecting biodiversity are set to resume talks in August with the goal of approving it as soon as possible.
ASEAN hardens stand on China sea claims
ASEAN leaders pushed back at China, asserting a 1982 U.N. treaty should serve as the basis for resolving disputes over claims in the South China Sea.
Nations agree to fishing ban allowing Arctic marine protections
Concerns about climate change's rapid rate of advance in the far north drove three years of talks on commercial fishing.
High seas treaty moves a step closer to reality among U.N. delegates
A new treaty is being negotiated aimed at protecting the rich biodiversity of the open ocean against commercial pressures.