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.

Local residents interviewed by reporters were cautiously hopeful. Many said they had heard promises before, and would believe the change when they saw it.

International organisations welcomed the news and offered technical help with the next steps.