New york: A landmark UN treaty to safeguard marine biodiversity on the high seas has now met the required 60 ratifications for entry into force, clearing the way for it to take effect in January 2026. Morocco and Sierra Leone joined the list of States ratifying on Friday, becoming the 60th and 61st parties to the pact.
According to Emirates News Agency, the treaty, formally known as the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ agreement), was adopted by UN Member States in June 2023 after nearly two decades of negotiations. Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres welcomed the development, calling it a 'historic achievement for the ocean and for multilateralism.'
Guterres stated, 'In two years, States have turned commitment into action - proving what is possible when nations unite for the common good.' He emphasized that as the world confronts the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, this agreement serves as a lifeline for the ocean and humanity. The pact, also called the 'High Seas Treaty,' covers two-thirds of the world's ocean area that lies beyond national boundaries.
The treaty establishes legally binding rules to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity, share benefits from marine genetic resources more fairly, create protected areas, and strengthen scientific cooperation and capacity building. UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Inger Andersen also hailed the milestone, expressing that the ocean is the foundation of human existence and that the treaty represents an important step forward in saving the ocean and the future.
Once the High Seas Treaty enters into force on 17th January 2026, it will provide a global framework to help achieve international biodiversity targets, including the pledge to protect 30 percent of land and sea areas by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Guterres urged all remaining UN Member States to join the treaty without delay and called on partners to support its swift and full implementation.