The Global Ocean Summit opened today in the French city of Nice, bringing together world leaders, environmentalists, and scientists to address pressing issues related to the environment and the preservation of biodiversity.

On the occasion, French President Emmanuel Macron called for a collective mobilization of efforts, stating that “while the Earth is warming, the oceans are boiling.”

President Macron expressed confidence that the High Seas Treaty will soon receive the necessary number of ratifications to enter into force. He announced new commitments from countries to reach the required threshold of 60 ratifications.

“In addition to the 50 ratifications submitted in the last few hours, 15 countries have officially pledged to join,” Macron explained.

Meanwhile, the UK government is expected to announce plans to ban bottom trawling in 41 protected marine areas covering a total of 30,000 square kilometers.

The international community has set a key target of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans and seas by the coming decades.