A landmark United Nations treaty aimed at safeguarding marine biodiversity in international waters has officially entered into force, ushering in a new era of global ocean protection.
The High Seas Treaty, known as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), became legally binding on January 17, 2026—120 days after reaching the required threshold of 60 ratifications in September 2025.
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With 81 nations having ratified it so far, the treaty covers the high seas and international seabed, which span over two-thirds of the world’s ocean surface and more than 90% of Earth’s habitable volume, addressing long-standing gaps in ocean governance amid threats like climate change, overfishing, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Milestone After Decades of Negotiations Nearly two decades in the making, the BBNJ Agreement was adopted in June 2023 following intensive UN-led talks.
It builds on the 1994 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea by introducing modern tools for sustainable management, including the establishment of marine protected areas in international waters, environmental impact assessments for activities like deep-sea mining, and equitable benefit-sharing from marine genetic resources.
The treaty’s entry into force marks a triumph of multilateralism, with ratifications from diverse nations including major economies like China, Germany, France, Japan, and Brazil. It becomes binding for ratifying states, requiring them to integrate its provisions into national laws and promote accountability for harmful activities on the high seas.
Path Forward for Ocean Health and Inclusivity UN officials and negotiators hailed the development as a critical step toward combating the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity decline, and pollution, while aligning with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The treaty emphasizes inclusive governance, featuring provisions for Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and gender balance—unique among ocean-related instruments.
Challenges remain, including non-ratification by some powers like Russia and pending actions from others such as the United States. The first Conference of the Parties is expected within a year to advance implementation, universal participation, and support for developing and small island nations. This historic moment strengthens collective responsibility for protecting vast ocean ecosystems vital to global life.