Forty nations agree to protect a third of their coastal waters

Forty countries have signed an agreement to protect thirty per cent of their coastal waters by the end of the decade, at a summit held on the island of Varos.

The deal limits bottom trawling and new drilling in protected zones and sets up a shared fund to help smaller island states patrol their seas.

Environmental groups called it a strong first step but said the real test will be whether governments enforce the rules.

The announcement was followed closely in neighbouring countries, several of which are considering similar measures.

Officials stressed that the timetable is ambitious and that progress will be reported publicly every six months.