The second substantive meeting of the Preparatory Commission (PrepCom II) for the BBNJ Agreement took place in New York from 18 to 29 August 2025, advancing work on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Belgium actively participates in this process, including in the Bureau of the Prepcom, which seeks to ensure that the high seas are managed responsibly and safeguarded as a shared heritage. The BBNJ Agreement, adopted on 19 June 2023, establishes a framework for international cooperation on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. To make the Agreement operational following its entry into force, the UN General Assembly established the Preparatory Commission in April 2024.
The Agreement will enter into force 120 days after the 60th ratification. Just last week, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Cabo Verde ratified the Agreement, bringing the total number of ratifications to 54. Belgium warmly congratulates both countries on this important step forward. This underscores the strong and growing momentum behind this landmark treaty.
During PrepCom II, delegates addressed key issues including governance arrangements, the Clearing-House Mechanism, and financial rules and resources. Belgian representatives contributed to discussions on how these mechanisms can support fair, transparent, and effective implementation of the Agreement.
Co-chaired by Janine Coye-Felson (Belize) and Adam McCarthy (Australia), PrepCom II builds on progress from the first session in April 2025 and prepares the way for the first Meeting of the Conference of the Parties. Further sessions are planned in 2026 to continue refining the operational frameworks.
Belgium is a candidate to host the future Secretariat of the BBNJ Agreement. This candidacy reflects our country’s strong commitment to ocean governance and its longstanding engagement in multilateral diplomacy. By offering to host the Secretariat, Belgium aims to provide a solid and accessible home for the Agreement, ensuring that the international community can effectively implement this vital treaty for the protection of marine biodiversity. Belgium’s Special Envoy for Climate, Environment and BBNJ, Ambassador Willem van de Voorde, was also present at the PrepCom and held a series of bilateral meetings with delegations to gain a clearer understanding of their priorities and expectations for the Secretariat.
Belgium’s involvement highlights its ongoing commitment to sustainable ocean governance and international collaboration in the protection of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
