Historic step for the ocean: BBNJ agreement to enter into force in January 2026

The global ocean is set to enter a new era of protection. The Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, also known as the BBNJ Agreement, will officially enter into force on 17 January 2026.

This pioneering treaty for the protection of the high seas beyond national jurisdictions marks the culmination of nearly two decades of diplomatic negotiations. Opened for signature on 20 September 2023 for a period of two years, it was signed that very day by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. On 9 May 2024, the Principality of Monaco became the first European and Mediterranean State to ratify the agreement.

On 19 September, ahead of the 80^th United Nations General Assembly, the final milestone was reached when the threshold of 60 ratifications by states, necessary for the effective implementation of the treaty, was reached and then exceeded.

A Turning Point for Global Ocean Governance

For decades, the high seas — covering about 63% of the oceans — remained one of the least regulated areas on the planet, despite their crucial role in regulating the climate, supporting biodiversity, and providing food security. The BBNJ Agreement changes that reality. It creates a comprehensive legal mechanism that will:

 - Enable the creation of area-based management tools (including high-seas Marine Protected Areas).

- Strengthen environmental impact assessments for human activities on the high seas.

- Promote the fair and equitable sharing of marine genetic resources (including digital sequence information).

- Support marine capacity building and technology transfer, especially for developing nations.

Together, these measures aim to close critical governance gaps and bring greater accountability to activities beyond national jurisdictions - currently, only 1.45% of areas beyond national jurisdiction are protected. The BBNJ Agreement is also a key tool in achieving the 30x30 goal: protecting 30% of the planet’s lands and oceans by 2030.

From Commitment to Implementation

The first Conference of the Parties (COP 1 for the ocean) will be held in autumn 2026 to launch the practical implementation of the treaty, and to discuss the establishment of the first operational measures, such as the creation of new marine protected areas on the high seas, the introduction of stricter environmental standards, the strengthening of financing mechanisms, etc.

The collective efforts of governments, scientists, civil society representatives and ocean advocates around the world, which made this historic agreement possible, will continue with a common goal: to preserve the largest ecosystem on our planet, which is the very foundation of life on Earth.