Great news for the world of marine conservation: the 60 ratifications required for the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) to come into force under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea have been reached.
The treaty will enter into effect in January 2026 and represents a decisive moment for ocean governance. For the first time, international waters will have a binding tool that will allow for the creation of marine protected areas on the high seas, the conduct of environmental impact assessments, the guarantee of equitable access to and distribution of marine genetic resources, and the promotion of capacity and technology transfer.
This milestone is consistent with Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which seeks to protect at least 30% of marine ecosystems by 2030, moving toward an integrated vision of ocean conservation.
“We celebrate this historic milestone that will enable the conservation of migratory species in the Patagonian Sea, which transcend national borders, and reinforces the idea that marine biodiversity knows no political boundaries. The Forum also highlights the importance of establishing the treaty’s headquarters in Valparaíso, Chile, which would be the first headquarters of a United Nations agreement in South America and a fundamental step toward strengthening ocean governance from the southern hemisphere,” emphasizes Andrea Michelson, regional coordinator of the Forum.
This treaty marks a turning point, but its success will depend on political will, scientific knowledge, technical capabilities, institutional coordination, international dialogue, financing, and the active participation of all key stakeholders, including civil society.
“It is an inspiring achievement that demonstrates what the global community can accomplish when different actors come together for ocean conservation. But this is only the beginning: the treaty provides the framework, now the challenge is to move forward in creating marine protected areas beyond national jurisdictions and in joint action. In this regard, it is essential that South American countries accelerate their ratification and demonstrate the solidarity of the Global South in protecting marine biodiversity,” concludes Daniela Castro, coordinator of the Node-Chile Forum.
Given the serious threats facing the oceans on a global scale, the protection of marine biodiversity cannot wait. We still have time to give hope to new generations, with concrete and collective actions that ensure a future with healthy, diverse, and resilient seas.
