The UN High Seas Treaty, officially known as the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), is a groundbreaking international agreement aimed at protecting marine biodiversity in international waters. Established as a response to the ongoing degradation of the world’s oceans, this treaty is the first legally binding framework dedicated to conservation efforts in areas not governed by individual countries, covering roughly two-thirds of the world’s oceans.
The treaty builds upon the foundational principles laid out in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which was signed in 1982 and defines the notion of high seas. These vast expanses of water, which constitute almost half of the Earth’s surface, have previously lacked specific regulatory measures for biodiversity protection, highlighting a significant gap that the BBNJ Agreement seeks to address.
Key Provisions of the UN High Seas Treaty
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Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): The treaty grants authority for the establishment and management of MPAs in international waters, which are essential for the conservation of marine ecosystems.
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Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): It mandates that EIAs be conducted for activities likely to impact the marine environment, ensuring that potential harm is assessed and mitigated, even in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
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Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs): The treaty aims to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from MGRs, including digital sequence information, promoting fairness in oceanic resource utilization.
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Capacity Building and Technology Transfer: Recognizing the disparities in resource access, the treaty includes provisions to support developing nations in enhancing their capacity and technological capabilities related to marine conservation.
Current Developments
Despite the significance of the BBNJ Agreement, notable challenges remain. Recently, reports indicate that India, which has signed the treaty, is unlikely to ratify it during the current U.N. Ocean Conference in France. The decision comes amid pressure from France and other international stakeholders, highlighting the complexities involved in gaining consensus among nations on environmental issues.
As of June 2025, 134 countries have signed the treaty, but the ratification process varies by nation. The high seas treaty is viewed as a crucial step toward promoting global cooperation in conserving marine biodiversity and addressing the pressing challenges facing the oceans.
Conclusion
The UN High Seas Treaty represents a pivotal moment in the global effort to protect marine biodiversity. By establishing a comprehensive legal framework, it seeks to fill existing regulatory gaps and facilitate international collaboration. The treaty’s implementation will be essential for safeguarding the health of marine ecosystems and ensuring sustainable use of ocean resources for future generations. As countries navigate their ratification processes, the focus remains on fostering a cooperative spirit to tackle the pressing challenges posed by ocean degradation.
