The United Nations General Assembly has adopted the first global declaration on sea-level rise, backing the continuity of statehood, UN membership and established maritime zones for countries losing coastline to rising seas.

The declaration, adopted by consensus on September 24, says low-lying island states must not be erased from the map as oceans rise. It affirms that baselines and maritime boundaries should remain stable even where physical coastlines retreat.

Small island developing states have pushed for years for such recognition, warning that entire communities face displacement. The text stops short of setting new funding targets, but asks states to cooperate on adaptation and planned relocation.

Legal experts say the declaration is politically significant even though it is not binding, because it shapes how international law treats statehood in an era of climate change. Implementation will now depend on follow-up action by member states.

Officials said the declaration reflects years of advocacy by Pacific and Caribbean island nations that face the most immediate threat from rising oceans.