On Saturday 20 September, the European Commission welcomed the upcoming entry into force - scheduled for early 2026 - of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (‘BBNJ Agreement’), made possible by 60 ratifications (see EUROPE 13659/6).
“This landmark agreement, the result of over a decade of international collaboration, represents a transformative step toward safeguarding marine ecosystems and addressing the urgent threats posed by climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss,” according to the Commission.
The institution stresses the possibility for States to create large-scale marine protected areas (MPAs) on the high seas, an essential measure for achieving the goal of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework of protecting 30% of the oceans by 2030. The treaty provides for environmental impact assessments for economic activities in international waters, to ensure sustainable practices. Specific support is planned for developing countries to help them implement the agreement. It will enter into force 120 days after the 60th ratification and will apply to all parties that have ratified it. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)