In a critical move for global ocean conservation, world leaders recently convened in New York to advance the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction—commonly known as the BBNJ Agreement.
Hailed as one of the most significant environmental accords in recent history, the BBNJ Agreement seeks to protect the high seas, the two-thirds of the world’s oceans that lie beyond national jurisdictions. These remote ocean areas, though often overlooked, are rich in biodiversity and play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth’s climate and supporting marine ecosystems.
The agreement focuses on four core objectives:
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Establishing marine protected areas to safeguard critical ecosystems
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Requiring environmental impact assessments for large-scale commercial activities
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Ensuring fair and equitable access to marine genetic resources
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Promoting international scientific cooperation for ocean health
Despite the high seas’ essential role in supporting global biodiversity and economic activity, they remain vulnerable to overfishing, pollution, and the accelerating impacts of climate change.
“We don’t have the luxury of waiting,” said Susan Gardner, Director of the Ecosystems Division at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “This agreement is a lifeline for the ocean, which underpins all life on Earth.”
Adopted by United Nations Member States in 2023, the BBNJ Agreement represents a major step forward. However, it will only enter into force once 60 countries ratify the treaty. As of late March 2025, only 21 nations have completed the ratification process.
The recent meetings in New York were aimed at building diplomatic momentum and encouraging more countries to join the effort. With mounting environmental pressures on marine ecosystems, swift and unified global action is essential.
The high seas may be vast and distant, but their protection is central to ensuring a stable and sustainable future for life on Earth.
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