25/01/2023 (Agence Europe) – The United States has announced its intention to join the High Ambition Coalition on biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions, which the European Commission welcomed on Tuesday 24 January. The coalition, launched by the EU at the One Ocean Summit in Brest in 2022, now includes 51 parties. At the highest political level, these parties are committed to achieving an ambitious international agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ, also known as the “Treaty of the High Seas”) as soon as possible, under the auspices of the United Nations. Areas beyond national jurisdictions account for 95% of the ocean. The treaty will designate marine protected areas and regulate human activities on the high seas. The US announcement comes at a crucial time, ahead of a decisive new round of talks due to start on 20 February at the United Nations. (LC)