A pivotal moment in global ocean stewardship has been reached with the ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, commonly known as the High Seas Treaty, by 60 nations. This significant achievement officially triggers the treaty's entry into force on January 18, 2026, establishing the first-ever legal framework dedicated to protecting the vast expanses of the high seas. Morocco's ratification on September 20, 2025, initiated the crucial 120-day countdown, underscoring a collective global commitment to safeguarding marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdictions.
The High Seas Treaty addresses critical issues such as the management of marine genetic resources, the implementation of environmental impact assessments for activities in international waters, and the establishment of vital marine protected areas (MPAs). The European Union, along with six of its member states, marked a significant joint ratification, highlighting a unified approach to ocean conservation leadership. The treaty's operationalization is expected to accelerate the creation of MPAs in the high seas, a key component in achieving the global objective to protect 30% of the planet's land and ocean by 2030, a target adopted under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The first Conference of the Parties (COP) is anticipated within a year of the treaty's entry into force, tasked with guiding its implementation and operationalization. This framework is viewed as a crucial step in combating threats such as climate change, overfishing, and deep-sea mining, which pose significant risks to marine ecosystems. This landmark agreement, reached after nearly two decades of negotiations, signifies a profound shift in how humanity collectively stewards the global commons, providing essential tools to halt biodiversity loss and ocean degradation while ensuring the equitable sharing of benefits derived from marine genetic resources.
The treaty's reach extends to areas beyond national jurisdiction, covering two-thirds of the world's oceans and playing a critical role in climate regulation by absorbing heat and carbon dioxide. The ratification by 60 nations, including Morocco as the 60th party, represents a powerful testament to global cooperation and shared responsibility for ocean health. The treaty also emphasizes capacity building and technology transfer for developing countries, promoting greater equity in ocean governance. The European Union has further pledged €40 million to support African, Caribbean, and Pacific partners in their ratification and implementation efforts, positioning the EU as a leading donor in global high seas protection.