The world’s oceans, long regarded as the planet’s last great frontier, are entering a new era of stewardship after a landmark international agreement achieved a historic milestone. The High Seas Treaty—formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement—has now garnered 60 ratifications, the critical threshold required for it to take effect. This development, confirmed by the United Nations and celebrated by governments, scientists, and environmental groups alike, signals a transformative shift in how the global community will protect and manage the vast stretches of ocean that lie beyond any single nation’s control.
The journey to this point has been years in the making, marked by painstaking diplomacy and a growing recognition of the urgent need to safeguard marine biodiversity. The BBNJ Agreement establishes the first legally binding international framework dedicated to conserving marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction—commonly referred to as the high seas. These waters, which cover nearly half the planet’s surface and more than two-thirds of its living space, have historically lacked comprehensive oversight, leaving them vulnerable to overfishing, pollution, and the mounting impacts of climate change.
The final push to the treaty’s entry into force came as Morocco and Sierra Leone deposited their ratifications, becoming the 59th and 60th countries to do so. Their actions triggered a 120-day countdown, after which the agreement will officially take effect on January 17, 2026. According to the BBC, this milestone was reached just ahead of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, setting the stage for the inaugural Ocean COP1 Summit—an event expected to chart the course for the treaty’s implementation.
“The ratification of the High Seas Treaty marks a truly historic milestone: a decisive victory for both people and the planet,” said Antha Williams, who leads the environment program at Bloomberg Philanthropies, as quoted by Global Voices. “For the first time, the global community has united to protect our shared ocean, creating a framework to safeguard nearly half of Earth that lies beyond national borders.”
Jerry Enoe, Special Envoy for Ocean for Grenada, echoed this sentiment, describing the agreement as “a vital step toward protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.” He emphasized that the treaty “unlocks biodiversity restoration and strengthens our climate resilience against the escalating impacts of the climate crisis.” For small island states like Grenada, whose lives and livelihoods are intimately tied to the ocean, the treaty represents both hope and a call to action.
The BBNJ Agreement is designed to facilitate the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) in international waters, a crucial tool for conserving biodiversity and promoting ecosystem recovery. It also mandates environmental impact assessments for activities that could harm marine life, and it fosters international cooperation in sharing the benefits of marine genetic resources. Importantly, the treaty supports capacity building and technology transfer to developing countries, aiming to ensure that all nations can participate equitably in the stewardship of the high seas.
Dr. Grethel Aguilar, Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), highlighted the significance of the moment: “The ratification of this Treaty is a powerful testament to what the world can achieve when we unite for the common good of our ocean.” She added that protecting the high seas is essential for meeting climate targets and fulfilling commitments under the Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.
The road to 60 ratifications has been a global effort. Palau became the first country to ratify the treaty on January 22, 2024, and since then, states from every region have joined the movement. Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of Palau, expressed pride in his country’s leadership: “We are proud to have been the first nation to ratify the BBNJ Treaty, and today we celebrate alongside sixty other countries who have joined us in this global commitment. With sixty ratifications, the treaty will now enter into force—ushering in a new era of stewardship for the High Seas.”
As the treaty’s entry into force approaches, preparatory work is underway at the United Nations to establish the necessary institutions and processes for the first Conference of the Parties (COP). This body, which must convene within a year of the treaty’s activation, will be responsible for ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the agreement and guiding its implementation. The BBNJ High Ambition Coalition, co-hosted by Palau and Seychelles, is also working to galvanize political support and maintain momentum beyond ratification.
Ambassador Rena Lee, President of the BBNJ Treaty Intergovernmental Conference, stressed the importance of inclusivity and universal participation: “This Agreement covers the global commons, so we must continue to be inclusive and strive for universal participation.” Michael Kanu, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Nations, noted the role of African states in championing the principle of equitable benefit sharing from the global ocean commons, calling the treaty’s entry into force “a testament to what we can achieve when we unite for the collective good of all humanity.”
For many, the treaty’s arrival could not be more timely. Brianna Fruean, a climate activist from Samoa, spoke to the profound connection between Pacific communities and the ocean: “As someone from Samoa, I know how deeply our lives are tied to the ocean. Pacific communities are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, and we depend on healthy seas for our present and future.” She described the treaty’s ratification as “a powerful moment of hope,” but also underscored the urgent need for action.
Dr. Katie Matthews, Chief Scientist at Oceana, put it bluntly: “For too long, the high seas have been a Wild West—lacking comprehensive oversight. The ratification of the High Seas Treaty will help bring order. For the first time, we have the legal foundation to safeguard marine diversity in waters that belong to everyone and no one at the same time.”
Kristian Teleki, CEO of Fauna & Flora, called the ratification “a turning point in human history,” noting its significance not just for the ocean, but for all of humanity. “This is an inspiring achievement born of vision, persistence, and global cooperation, and a true legacy to be proud to pass to future generations.”
As the world counts down to January 2026, when the BBNJ Agreement officially enters into force, the focus now shifts from promises to action. The challenge ahead will be ensuring that the treaty’s ambitious goals are realized on the water, delivering tangible benefits for marine life, coastal communities, and the planet as a whole. The ocean may connect us all, but it will take continued collaboration and resolve to protect it for generations to come.