SUMMARY
Delegates at the United Nations have agreed on a historic international treaty to protect biodiversity on the high seas, a deal years in the making. The agreement is critical to reaching another U.N. goal: protecting 30 percent of the ocean by 2030. Liz Karan with the Pew Charitable Trusts joins John Yang to discuss the negotiations. This lesson plan is from PBC NewsHour
For a transcript of this story, click here.
News wrap alternative: Check out the latest segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching! You can make a Google doc copy of our Five Facts and discussion questions that work for any of the stories here. And read this article.
- Watch another video that summarizes the main points of the High Seas Treaty and why it is a historic deal. You can also use this article to give more details and background information about the treaty and its implications.
FIVE FACTS
- Who is interviewed for this story, and what is her background?
- Where and When was the treaty discussed in this article negotiated?
- What is the treaty designed to protect?
- Why was the treaty necessary, according to Liz Karan?
- How has their been disagreement between wealthy nations and developing nations over the treaty?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What incentives (motivations or possible rewards) do you think nations might have in protecting marine life not part of their own territories?
Media literacy: Who else would you want to hear from to understand why this treaty is important?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
Assigments
Answer one of these questions below by writing an essay or making a video.
- How does the High Seas Treaty address the issue of marine genetic resources and what are the implications for scientific research and biotechnology?
- What are the main challenges and opportunities for cooperation and governance in the implementation of the High Seas Treaty?
- How does the High Seas Treaty contribute to the global efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss?