UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday asked governments around the world to agree on a treaty that would allow save the oceans in the face of the “emergency” who are currently suffering.

Guterres asked for “flexibility and perseverance” from the delegations currently negotiating in New York on this legal document inin the last round of discussion which is due to close this Friday.

“They can achieve a result that will help ensure that our oceans healthier, more sustainable and more productive for the benefit of our planet and humanity,” the UN head’s message to the negotiators says.

According to Guterres, the world can no longer ignore the “ocean emergency” and must agree on a framework that protects the high seas from the effects of the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and pollution.

“At the dawn of the fifth decade since the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, you have the opportunity continue to build on his legacy. They can show that the Convention can adapt to changing challenges and demonstrate the continued strength and promise of multilateralism,” he stressed.

UN countries have been discussing for years the creation of a new treaty on the high seas, guaranteeing the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

After several rounds of negotiations, the final phase was opened in New York on 20 February and is expected to conclude with a text this coming Friday, although at the moment there is no final consensus.

In recent days, environmental groups have warned of the risk of the process failing, and some have asked Guterres to send a clear message to countries.