France, May 21 -- After decades of negotiations, a landmark treaty to protect the world's high seas stands at a turning point - and France is urging countries to ratify it before a major UN ocean summit opens in Nice next month.

The High Seas Treaty, adopted in June 2023 by 193 countries, aims to protect international waters that cover nearly half the planet.

These areas lie beyond any country's control and remain largely unregulated, despite being vital for marine biodiversity, carbon storage and climate stability.

But the treaty cannot take effect until it is ratified by 60 countries. So far, only 21 have done so.

"What's the point of negotiating a historic treaty if we leave it in a drawer? A signed treaty protects nothing, but a r...