- Macron says ratification on track for January start.
- High Seas Treaty needs 60 ratifications to take effect.
- UN’s Guterres warns of threats to ocean ecosystems.
- US not ratifying treaty, not bound by it.
At the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, global leaders made a strong push for the rapid ratification of a historic treaty designed to protect biodiversity in the world’s high seas. Known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, the treaty has already been ratified by 55 nations, reports Reuters.
Once five more countries complete ratification, the treaty will formally enter into force on January 1, 2026.
Oceans protection treaty could take effect from January
The treaty represents the first legally binding global framework for protecting marine life in international waters—areas that cover nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans but currently enjoy minimal protection. Under the new framework, countries will be able to establish marine protected areas in the high seas and work together to ensure sustainable management of ocean resources.
The renewed urgency comes as marine ecosystems face growing threats from overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate change. Ocean temperatures are rising, acidification is increasing, and many coastal communities are experiencing the consequences of deteriorating marine environments. The UN Secretary-General warned that failure to act quickly could lead to irreversible damage.
Financial commitments are also gaining momentum. A recent pledge of €8.7 billion by public and private entities aims to support sustainable ocean economies. In addition, a new UN-led financing facility is expected to launch in 2028 to close the large funding gap in marine protection. Currently, conservation investments total around \$10 billion annually—far below what is needed to meet global targets.
The treaty’s implementation is a crucial step toward achieving the global goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Once the ratification threshold is met, the 120-day countdown to enforcement will begin. While some key countries have not yet ratified the agreement, momentum is growing, with many nations already working on legal frameworks and financial tools to support enforcement.
With the treaty on the verge of activation, the international community is preparing to shift from negotiation to action. The years ahead will determine whether nations can effectively cooperate to restore marine biodiversity and ensure that the oceans continue to support both people and the planet.
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Source: Reuters
