The important UN treaties mark a breakthrough in marine conservation, protecting biodiversity in the high seas and ensuring sustainable use for future generations.
The major milestone for marine conservation is in effect as a landmark agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity in Regions Beyond the United Nations Marine Biodiversity (BBNJ).
The important treaty, adopted in June 2023, applies to more than two-thirds of the world’s oceans and identifies transformative steps to protect marine ecosystems from escalating threats such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The contract has been widely regarded as one of the most important achievements in multilateral diplomacy in recent decades.
For the first time, the country has established a global framework to ensure fair use and sustainable management of resources in international waters. For a long time, it has been considered the “wild west” of the ocean.
Commenting on the transformational development, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said:
“This rapid pace underscores the continued commitment of nations to multilateralism and confirms that they only face global challenges through collective efforts.”
Why agreement is important
Almost two-thirds of the planet’s oceans exceed national jurisdiction. These high seas and deep sea areas are home to rich biodiversity and provide important ecological, cultural, scientific and economic benefits to humanity.
But they continue to increase pressure from pollution, overfishing, deep sea mining and climate-driven degradation.
The BBNJ Agreement addresses these challenges head-on by advancing its obligation to cooperate, its responsibility to protect the marine environment, and its requirements to assess impact before implementing potentially harmful activities.
By strengthening these commitments, the treaty represents a more holistic, science-driven approach to marine conservation.
From decades of lectures to global consensus
Negotiations for the BBNJ agreement have been built up as the scale of the ocean threat has become undeniable for over a decade.
The treaty is the third major implementation agreement under UNCLOS, following a groundbreaking transaction in 1994 on seabed mining and a landmark transaction in 1995 on fish stocks.
The adoption of this new framework will update international law to reflect 30 years of change in international law, and to align with the goals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals “Life under Water.”
It also directly supports the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.
Key provisions: protection, fairness, shared interests
One of the most powerful tools that BBNJ contracts are unlocked is the ability to create large marine reserves (MPAs) in international waters.
These sanctuaries protect fragile habitats and provide Marines with the breathing chambers they need for recovery and prosperity.
The treaty also requires a rigorous environmental impact assessment for economic activity in international waters, ensuring that sustainable practices are standard rather than exceptions.
Importantly, fairness lies at the heart of the contract. Developing countries receive technical and financial support through capacity building programs, technology transfer, and profit sharing mechanisms that ensure fair access to marine genetic resources.
The role of the global coalition
The European Union and its member states helped shape the treaty through the High Ambition Union, a group of over 40 countries committed to bold, science-based marine protection.
The coalition’s political leadership and collective advocacy accelerated the negotiation and ratification process and pushed for agreement on thresholds for induction.
To support the implementation of Swift, the EU has already pledged 40 million euros through its Global Ocean Program.
Members of the Union are urged to make similar contributions to all countries, particularly those with less resources, to ensure full participation in the treaty framework.
Next steps in implementation
The BBNJ contract will be officially implemented 120 days after the 60th ratification is placed. When activated, it applies to all signatories and changes the way humanity controls the high seas.
The next few months will be important in preparing the country for compliance. Capacity building initiatives, surveillance systems, and funding mechanisms need to expand quickly.
With strong global cooperation, the treaty may restructure marine governance and ensure a healthier and more resilient marine environment for future generations.
This contract represents a beacon of hope for the future of the world’s oceans. By prioritizing sustainability, equity and science, the BBNJ Agreement provides a roadmap to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
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