The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement has officially reached the threshold of 60 ratifications, triggering its entry into force in early 2026. This milestone marks a major advancement in global efforts to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The BBNJ Agreement, negotiated under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), represents the culmination of over a decade of international collaboration. It enables countries to establish large-scale marine protected areas (MPAs) on the high seas, supporting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. The treaty also introduces mandatory environmental impact assessments for activities in international waters, ensuring the sustainable management of marine resources.
Equity and capacity building are at the heart of the agreement. Developing countries will benefit from targeted capacity-building initiatives and marine technology transfer programmes, supported by a range of public and private funding mechanisms. A benefit-sharing framework will further ensure fair access to marine genetic resources and their derived benefits.
The European Union and its Member States have played a leading role in advancing the BBNJ Agreement through the High Ambition Coalition, a group of over 40 nations advocating for bold, science-based ocean protection. Their efforts were instrumental in achieving widespread political support and accelerating the ratification process.
Once the treaty enters into force, it will apply to all parties that have ratified it. The EU is already preparing for swift implementation, committing €40 million through its Global Ocean Programme to assist developing nations and strengthen global readiness.
Covering nearly two-thirds of the planet’s oceans, the high seas provide essential ecological, economic, and social benefits but face increasing pressures from overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. The BBNJ Agreement updates the UNCLOS framework to address these challenges, reinforcing principles such as international cooperation, environmental protection, and prior impact assessment—crucial steps toward a more sustainable and equitable ocean governance system.
As an organisation committed to advancing taxonomy, biodiversity research, and open scientific infrastructures, CETAF welcomes the BBNJ Agreement as a critical framework for global collaboration. Strengthening the link between scientific knowledge and policy action will be key to ensuring that marine biodiversity is understood, valued, and protected for future generations.
This BBNJ agreement is the third in a series, following 1994 and 1995 agreements on seabed mining and fish stocks. It updates the UNCLOS to address 30 years of developments, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 14 (‘Life Below Water’) under Agenda 2030.
Source: European Commission