UN High Seas Treaty: Ratification Threshold Reached
- The landmark High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Lasting Use...
- The treaty, often referred to as the BBNJ agreement (Biodiversity beyond National Jurisdiction), builds upon the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which is...
- Once in force, the treaty will be crucial in helping achieve international biodiversity targets, especially the pledge to protect 30 per cent of land and sea areas by...
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High Seas Treaty Reaches Ratification threshold, Paving Way for Ocean Conservation
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The landmark High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Lasting Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, has officially reached the threshold for ratification. Morocco and Sierra Leone became the 60th and 61st parties to the pact on Friday, September 13, 2024, triggering its entry into force on January 17, 2026, as announced by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The Importance of the BBNJ Agreement
The treaty, often referred to as the BBNJ agreement (Biodiversity beyond National Jurisdiction), builds upon the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which is widely considered the “constitution for the oceans.” UNCLOS, adopted in 1982, established a legal framework for all marine and maritime issues.Though, it lacked specific provisions for the conservation of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction - the high seas, which comprise nearly two-thirds of the world’s ocean.
The BBNJ agreement addresses this gap by providing a framework for:
- Establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) in the high seas.
- Conducting environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for activities in the high seas.
- Sharing marine genetic resources (MGRs) fairly and equitably.
- Capacity-building and technology transfer to developing countries.
Achieving Global Biodiversity Targets
Once in force, the treaty will be crucial in helping achieve international biodiversity targets, especially the pledge to protect 30 per cent of land and sea areas by 2030, outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Currently, only about 1% of the high seas are protected. The treaty provides the mechanism to significantly increase this percentage.
The high seas are home to a vast array of marine life, including many species that are yet to be discovered. they also play a vital role in regulating the global climate and providing essential ecosystem services. Protecting this area is therefore critical for the health of the planet and for future generations.