Over 60 Nations Ratify First Legally Binding Treaty To Protect High Seas Marine Life

Over sixty countries have ratified the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement ahead of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, heralding a new era for protection of international waters.

“The ratification of this Treaty is a powerful testament to what the world can achieve when we unite for the common good of our ocean. IUCN is proud to host the secretariat for the BBNJ High Ambition Coalition, to continue the political momentum beyond ratification to ensure equitable and fair implementation,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General. “Protecting the High Seas is essential for meeting our climate targets and fulfilling our goals under the Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.”

Formally known as the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), the Agreement is the first legally binding international framework dedicated to safeguarding marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction, also known as the High Seas.

Palau became the first country to ratify the Agreement on 22 January 2024, and states from every region around the world have since joined the effort. This achievement triggers the Agreement’s entry into force in 120 days, on 17 January 2026.

“We are proud to have been the first nation to ratify the BBNJ Treaty, and today we celebrate alongside sixty other countries who have joined us in this global commitment. With sixty ratifications, the treaty will now enter into force – ushering in a new era of stewardship for the High Seas,” said Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of Palau. “Together, we are protecting marine biodiversity, advancing climate action, and ensuring that our ocean remains healthy and resilient for generations to come. This is not just a victory for the ocean – it is a victory for our planet and all who depend on it. Health oceans, healthy planet.”

The Agreement establishes the means to create Marine Protected Areas beyond national jurisdiction and requires environmental impact assessments. It enables strong governance by fostering international cooperation, enabling fair access and benefit sharing of Marine Genetic Resources, and supporting capacity building and the transfer of marine technology to developing countries.

“This is a critical milestone for the ocean. I congratulate all who have ratified the BBNJ Agreement this far. This Agreement covers the global commons, so we must continue to be inclusive and strive for universal participation,” said Ambassador Rena Lee, President of the BBNJ Treaty Intergovernmental Conference.

“Today marks a historic moment as Africa’s leadership has helped steer the BBNJ Agreement to its entry into force. Sierra Leone and Morocco are proud to have been the final two countries to deposit their instruments of ratification and trigger the conditions for the entry of force of an agreement that will not only help us save our ocean, but also renew the promise of multilateralism. African states are champions of the common heritage of humankind principle that ensures the equitable sharing of benefits from our global ocean commons. Today is not just a triumph for ocean conservation, but a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for the collective good of all humanity,” said Michael Kanu, Ambassador & Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations in New York.

“With the BBNJ Treaty entering into force, Seychelles celebrates a new era of global collaboration for the High Seas. As the first African country to ratify the Agreement, we are committed to working with all nations to protect marine biodiversity, share knowledge, and ensure that the ocean continues to sustain both our environment and our economies. As a large ocean state, Seychelles recognises that healthy oceans are critical to our survival. We are proud to contribute to a treaty that will strengthen conservation, advance scientific research, and support sustainable blue economy opportunities for present and future generations,” said Phillianne Ernesta, Principal Secretary of the Department of Blue Economy, Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Seychelles.

Preparatory work is already underway at the UN to establish the necessary institutions and processes for the first Conference of the Parties, which must convene within a year of the Treaty’s entry into force, and will be responsible for securing the long-term effectiveness of the Agreement. Alongside this, the BBNJ High Ambition Coalition, co-hosted by the governments of Palau and Seychelles, is working to galvanise political support for the Treaty’s robust implementation.

“The ocean gives us life and connects us all. Now more than ever, it needs true collaboration and champions to protect it,” said Kristina Gjerde, Senior High Seas Advisor at IUCN. “The BBNJ Agreement is a critical step towards ensuring a healthy, biodiverse and productive High Seas that will benefit both nature and humanity.”

Press Release

Source: Maritime Shipping News