16/01/26 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 16 January, the European Commission welcomed the fact that the international treaty regarding the high seas entitled the ‘Agreement [...] on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction’ (BBNJ) would enter into force on Saturday 17 January. The result of more than 10 years of negotiations, the agreement aims to protect biodiversity in the open sea in the face of climate change, pollution, and the loss of species (see EUROPE 13786/12). It notably makes it possible to create marine protected areas in the open sea and envisages that environmental impact assessments will be conducted for economic activities. The European Commission emphasises that the treaty also establishes greater support for developing countries, including the transfer of technology and a mechanism for sharing the benefits associated with marine genetic resources. (LC)