JUST days after the historic High Seas Treaty officially took effect, governments and ocean experts have started the process of putting the agreement’s commitments into action.
In the coming months, countries, regional organizations, and civil society groups will outline concrete steps to protect the world’s largest shared ecosystem.
The United Nations has announced preparations for the inaugural Conference of the Parties (COP) under the treaty, scheduled for later this year.
At this meeting, governments are expected to establish protocols for creating and managing new marine protected areas (MPAs) in international waters, finalize rules for environmental impact assessments, and agree on mechanisms for equitable sharing of marine resources.
Dr Filimon Manoni, Pacific Ocean Commissioner, said: “The real work begins now. Implementation will require unprecedented collaboration—across borders, sectors, and scientific disciplines—to deliver lasting protection for the high seas and our own national waters.”
Pacific countries, recognized for their leadership during treaty negotiations, are coordinating efforts to fulfil the treaty’s objectives.
Eight Pacific nations – Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu – have ratified the agreement.
This month, legal experts are meeting to discuss how to integrate the treaty’s provisions into national law.
Regional workshops, led by organizations such as the Pacific Ocean Commissioner’s Office and the Pacific Ocean Alliance, are focusing on capacity-building and monitoring strategies.
Some experts warn that the journey ahead won’t be easy.
“Establishing new MPAs is only the first step,” said Dr Enric Sala, founder of National Geographic Pristine Seas.
“Effective protection will depend on strong enforcement, transparent monitoring, and genuine cooperation between nations.”
A key concern is ensuring that new protected areas are not merely “paper parks,” but deliver real benefits for marine biodiversity.
Achieving this will require investment in satellite monitoring, improved data sharing, and international cooperation to prevent illegal activities.
The treaty is an essential component of the global goal to protect 30 percent of the planet’s land and sea by 2030, as set out in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The coming year will be a test of whether world leaders can translate ambition into tangible outcomes.
“We now have the legal tools and the political will. It’s time to deliver on the promise of healthy oceans for future generations,” said Dr Kevin Chand of Pristine Seas.