Climate
Forty nations agree to protect a third of their coastal waters
The Meridian Daily ·
Sunday, 4 October 2026 ·
Page 4
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.
Business groups in the region said the decision would make planning easier and could attract new investment.
Our correspondent reports that the mood in the capital was calm, with daily life continuing much as usual.
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.
Business groups in the region said the decision would make planning easier and could attract new investment.
Our correspondent reports that the mood in the capital was calm, with daily life continuing much as usual.
