The international treaty on the high seas, entitled the ‘Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction’ (BBNJ) Agreement’, will enter into force on Saturday 17 January, “a landmark achievement for ocean protection and multilateral cooperation”, according to the NGO OceanCare on Wednesday 14 January.
To date, 81 countries have ratified the agreement, which covers almost two-thirds of the world’s oceans.
The treaty establishes legally binding rules, notably on the creation of marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments and the equitable sharing of marine genetic resources.
Fabienne McLellan, from OceanCare, described this entry into force as a “lifeline toward safeguarding the High Seas”. Success will depend on effective implementation. Major players such as the United States and Russia have not yet ratified the text (see EUROPE 13751/12).
Belgium (Brussels) is bidding to host the treaty secretariat, opposite the Chilean city of Valparaiso. The decision on the host city will be taken at the treaty’s first Conference of the Parties (COP), scheduled for 17 January 2027 at the latest. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)