A landmark UN High Seas Treaty has officially entered into force, creating the first legally binding global framework to protect biodiversity in international waters, which cover nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans.
The agreement, formally known as Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), allows countries to establish marine protected areas on the high seas and requires environmental impact assessments for activities that could harm ocean ecosystems. It also sets rules for sharing benefits from marine genetic resources used in sectors such as biotechnology.
The treaty became operational after reaching the required 60 ratifications and has now been endorsed by more than 80 countries, including China, Brazil and Japan. More states are expected to follow, while the United States has signed but not yet ratified the agreement.
The new framework supports the global “30 by 30” goal to place 30% of the world’s oceans under protection by 2030. However, it does not regulate seabed mining, which remains under the authority of the International Seabed Authority.
Environmental groups say the treaty is a major step toward governing previously unregulated ocean areas, though its effectiveness will depend on broad participation and enforcement by UN member states.
