Global Ocean Biodiversity Treaty Comes into Force, Strengthening Protection of High Seas

The United Nations’ Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement has come into force, marking a significant step toward the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the high seas and the international seabed.

The treaty addresses long-standing governance gaps in regulating activities in ocean areas outside national control.

The agreement is now legally binding on the 81 countries that have ratified it, after crossing the required threshold of 60 ratifications.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the treaty strengthens international law amid accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and builds on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to advance coordinated global ocean protection.