African and Commonwealth Nations Push for Swift Ocean Treaty Action

WHO:

ABC News - African and Commonwealth nations, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Kenyan Cabinet Secretary of Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho

WHAT:

ABC News - African and Commonwealth nations called for swift implementation of a treaty protecting the high seas.

ABC News - The High Seas Treaty came into effect in January after ratification by 60 countries.

ABC News - John Kerry stated that 10% of the ocean is under protection, with only 3% highly or fully protected.

ABC News - The One Ocean Conference has generated more than 2,900 pledges worth over $169 billion since 2014.

WHERE:

ABC News - The 11th Our Ocean Conference is being held in Mombasa, Kenya.

WHEN:

ABC News - Key decisions on the future of the treaty will be taken next year.

ABC News - The treaty aims to help countries achieve a global target of protecting 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.

WHY:

ABC News - Nations warned that much of the world’s ocean protection exists only on paper despite record commitments to marine conservation.

ABC News - Hassan Joho emphasized the need to convert pledges into measurable results for communities, economies, and oceans.

HOW:

ABC News - The treaty, formally known as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, creates a legal mechanism to establish protected areas in international waters.

(UPDATED June 16, 2026 21:53 UTC)

At the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, African and Commonwealth nations, along with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Kenyan Cabinet Secretary of Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho, are calling for the swift implementation of the High Seas Treaty, which came into effect in January after being ratified by 60 countries. Kerry highlighted that currently, only 10% of the ocean is under protection, with a mere 3% highly or fully protected, while Joho stressed the importance of turning pledges into tangible results for communities and marine ecosystems. Key decisions regarding the treaty's future are expected to be made next year, as the treaty aims to help achieve a global goal of protecting 30% of the world's land and oceans by 2030.