Library U's 2024 foreign affairs discussion series, GREAT DECISIONS AT THE LIBRARY, begins on Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. at the Bainbridge Public Library with a discusion on the U.N.'s High Seas Treaty. 

Areas of the seas beyond national jurisdiction comprise the high seas, which are facing a degradation of ecosystems due to climate change and the increase in human activities, such as shipping, overfishing, pollution, and deep-sea mining. The recently negotiated High Seas Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty, will attempt to address these issues. How difficult will it be to convince nations to participate? So far, 80 countries, including the U.S., have signed the treaty agreement, but each country must still ratify the treaty under its own domestic process. The treaty will come into force 120 days after 60 countries ratify it.

While enjoying coffee and pastries, participants view a 25-minute Foreign Policy Association film on the topic and then take part in a discussion lead by Laura Francis, marine biologist and educator.