Brussels: With its ratification by 60 countries worldwide, the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement-also known as the “High Seas Treaty”-will officially enter into force in early 2026, marking a historic moment for ocean conservation. Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, described the treaty’s entry into force as “a historic milestone for ocean governance.”
According to Cyprus News Agency, Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized the significance of this development, stating that it demonstrates the strength of multilateralism. She expressed the European Union’s commitment to the swift and ambitious implementation of the agreement and called on more countries to join the movement for universal ocean protection.
Commissioner Kadis highlighted the EU’s leading role in achieving the agreement, which is considered crucial for preserving marine life and biodiversity for present and future generations. He also noted the importance of multilateral cooperation in reaching this milestone, pointing to the successful collaboration of nations for ocean protection.
The agreement, negotiated under the United Nations, allows countries to establish large-scale marine protected areas (MPAs) in international waters, an essential step to meet the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s target of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. It introduces mandatory environmental impact assessments for activities like fishing, deep-sea mining, and shipping in areas beyond national jurisdiction to prevent harm to marine ecosystems.
One of the treaty’s innovative aspects is its benefit-sharing mechanism for marine genetic resources. This mechanism ensures that developing countries receive technological and financial support to participate in the agreement’s implementation through capacity-building programs and technology transfer initiatives.
The treaty will come into force 120 days after the 60th ratification, set for early 2026. However, the European Commission emphasized that achieving the global goal of protecting 30% of the ocean requires broader adoption by more countries. The EU, led by Commissioner Kadis, plans to continue advocating for global ratification and increase funding to support developing nations.
Kadis concluded by stressing the need for global cooperation to protect oceans, stating that the treaty is a chance for humanity to unite for the common good.