Today, August 30, President Michael D. Higgins joined conservationists in expressing his concern and disappointment at the failure of the negotiations of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on conservation and sustainability.

"UN Sustainability Development Goal 14 commits to conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. This is a vital goal in delivering on the United Nations' shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future," President Higgins explained.

He continued, "In order to protect the world's oceans, and all those forms of life that live in and depend upon them, including those living in the most vulnerable islands of the world, it is vital that the commitment of the High Ambition Coalition to protect 30% of the planet’s land and sea by 2030 is delivered upon, at a bare minimum."

This is the fifth round of negotiations of the Intergovernmental Conference which have failed. Greenpeace International says that time is running out to come to an agreement on a treaty that can protect the world's oceans, which scientists say is necessary for the conservation of marine biological diversity.

President Higgins agrees, "It is important that Heads of State and Heads of Government urge their missions to ensure that this process results in the agreement urgently necessary to protect our planet."

Statement by President Higgins on negotiations for a UN ocean treaty https://t.co/g8RW9vnWHT#IGC5

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) August 30, 2022