BBNJ (High Seas) Treaty: A New Global Framework for Ocean Biodiversity

Context

The UN Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, popularly known as the High Seas Treaty, has entered into force after securing 60 ratifications, creating the first legally binding international regime to conserve biodiversity in international waters.

Nature of the treaty: The BBNJ Agreement is a binding multilateral treaty under UNCLOS that seeks to ensure the conservation, sustainable use, and equitable governance of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which cover nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans.

Evolution and timeline: Discussions were initiated in 2008 in response to escalating commercial and technological pressures on the high seas; following 15 years of negotiations, the treaty was adopted in March 2023 and came into force 120 days after the 60th ratification, achieved in September 2025.

Goals and commitments: The treaty operationalises the global “30 by 30” commitment by enabling protection of 30% of ocean areas by 2030, and facilitates ecosystem-scale conservation in waters beyond national jurisdiction.

Core provisions

High Seas Marine Protected Areas: Establishes procedures to notify, designate, and manage a global network of MPAs in international waters.
Impact assessment regime: Introduces mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments for activities likely to cause significant harm to marine ecosystems.
Access to marine genetic wealth: Creates a framework for fair and equitable benefit-sharing from the utilisation of marine genetic resources.
Capacity support mechanisms: Provides for capacity building, technology transfer, and scientific cooperation, particularly benefiting developing and least-developed countries.
Science-led governance: Promotes ecosystem-based management guided by best available science, traditional knowledge, and the precautionary principle.
Common heritage principle: Reinforces that the high seas remain a global commons, with no sovereign claims over their biological resources.

Overall significance

The BBNJ Treaty represents a transformational step in ocean governance, addressing regulatory gaps and strengthening collective responsibility for high-seas conservation.

Source : DD News