High Seas Treaty Achieves Milestone for Ocean Conservation

The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, commonly known as the High Seas Treaty, has officially crossed the required threshold of 60 ratifications, allowing it to enter into force on January 17, 2026. This landmark treaty aims to protect marine biodiversity in international waters, which constitute nearly two-thirds of the world's oceans. The milestone was reached when Sierra Leone and Morocco became the 60th and 61st countries to ratify the treaty on September 19, 2025.

High Seas Treaty crosses ratification threshold, set to enter into force in January 2026UN high seas treaty ratified, to enter into force in 2026High Seas Treaty to Enter into ForceHigh Seas Treaty clears final hurdle with 60th ratificationESG News Recap: UN General Assembly Kicks Off in New YorkHistoric entry into force of the High Seas Treatyto enter into force in JanuaryThe European Sting is Your democratic, independent and top quality political newspaper specialized in European Union News. Unique Features: iSting & Harry StingThe EuropeHigh Seas Treaty Ratified By 61 Countries, Allowing It To Enter Into Force in January 2026Global ocean conservation treaty enters into forceBlog: Tailored technical assistance drives change - Sri Lanka commits to High Seas Treaty

Adopted in June 2023 after nearly two decades of negotiations, the High Seas Treaty establishes legally binding rules for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity. It includes provisions for creating marine protected areas (MPAs) and conducting environmental impact assessments for activities in international waters. The treaty is seen as essential for achieving global biodiversity targets, including the commitment to protect 30% of the planet's land and ocean by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Historic entry into force of the High Seas TreatyHigh Seas Treaty to Enter into ForceGlobal ocean conservation treaty enters into forceHigh Seas Treaty clears final hurdle with 60th ratificationHigh Seas Treaty Ratified By 61 Countries, Allowing It To Enter Into Force in January 2026ESG News Recap: UN General Assembly Kicks Off in New YorkLandmark High Seas Treaty Reaches Milestone as 60th Nation Signs OnWorld history made with global agreement to protect our oceanUN ‘high seas’ treaty clears ratification threshold, to enter into force in January

UN Secretary-General António Guterres hailed the ratification as a "historic achievement for the ocean and for multilateralism," emphasizing the treaty's role in addressing the "triple planetary crisis" of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, described the treaty as a critical step toward safeguarding the ocean's health, which is intrinsically linked to humanity's well-being.

High Seas Treaty clears final hurdle with 60th ratification

Despite the treaty's success, some experts express concerns about its implementation and enforcement. Notably, major powers like the United States, China, and Russia have yet to ratify the treaty, raising questions about the treaty's effectiveness without their participation. Critics argue that the treaty lacks a punitive enforcement mechanism, relying instead on individual countries to regulate their own activities in international waters.

Landmark High Seas Treaty Reaches Milestone as 60th Nation Signs On

In a statement, Guterres urged all remaining UN Member States to join the treaty without delay, highlighting the need for swift and full implementation. Rebecca Hubbard, Director of the High Seas Alliance, called the ratification a testament to global diplomacy and multilateralism, stating, "Today marks an important step when promises start becoming action."

High Seas Treaty Ratified By 61 Countries, Allowing It To Enter Into Force in January 2026

The treaty's entry into force will trigger preparations for its first Conference of the Parties (COP1), likely to be held in 2026. This conference will be crucial for defining how the treaty's protections will be implemented and monitored. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace, are calling for immediate action from nations to develop plans for high seas sanctuaries, emphasizing the urgency of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.

Historic entry into force of the High Seas Treaty

The High Seas Treaty represents a significant advancement in global ocean governance, providing a framework for protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. As nations prepare for its implementation, the focus will shift to ensuring that the treaty translates into meaningful conservation outcomes for the world's oceans.

Historic entry into force of the High Seas TreatyLandmark High Seas Treaty Reaches Milestone as 60th Nation Signs OnHigh Seas Treaty to Enter into ForceESG News Recap: UN General Assembly Kicks Off in New YorkGlobal ocean conservation treaty enters into forceHigh Seas Treaty Ratified By 61 Countries, Allowing It To Enter Into Force in January 2026World history made with global agreement to protect our oceanHigh Seas Treaty crosses ratification threshold, set to enter into force in January 2026UN ‘high seas’ treaty clears ratification threshold, to enter into force in JanuaryBlog: Tailored technical assistance drives change - Sri Lanka commits to High Seas Treaty