THE BBNJ Agreement has officially entered into force, marking a new era for the world’s oceans.
This milestone treaty – officially the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement – aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
More than 20 years of negotiations led to the creation of the BBNJ Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The agreement was adopted on 19 June 2023 and is now the third implementing agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The BBNJ Agreement addresses key issues: marine genetic resources, equitable benefit-sharing, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and the transfer of marine technology.
For the first time, there is a binding legal framework to manage high seas biodiversity.
The Pacific region has played a leading role in shaping and implementing the agreement.
The Federated States of Micronesia was the first UN Member State to sign the BBNJ Agreement. Palau became the first country in the world to ratify the agreement.
As of today, there are 145 signatories and 83 parties globally, with eight Pacific countries having completed ratification—a testament to the region’s commitment to robust ocean governance.
OPOC, CROP, and the Pacific Ocean Alliance have coordinated extensive regional efforts to support ratification and implementation.
The Pacific Ocean Commissioner and partners have conducted nine national workshops and two regional meetings on the BBNJ Agreement.
Legal experts will gather at a regional workshop this month to discuss how to localize the BBNJ Agreement in national laws.
The BBNJ Agreement will help Pacific countries manage 100% of their ocean territory, both within and beyond national jurisdictions.
Pacific Ocean Commissioner, Dr Filimon Manoni, praised the entry into force as a remarkable achievement for ocean governance. He emphasized that the real work now begins with effective implementation and cooperation.
The BBNJ Agreement sets the stage for the first Conference of the Parties and advances global efforts to protect the high seas.
This historic step represents a major victory for international ocean stewardship and the Pacific’s leadership.
The world now has a new legal tool to ensure the protection and sustainable use of marine resources for generations to come.