On 17 January, the BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) – also known as the High Seas Treaty – officially enters into force. This is the result of years of intensive international cooperation and negotiations. For the first time, two-thirds of our ocean, the areas beyond national jurisdiction, will have a comprehensive legal framework for sustainable management and protection.
With this binding agreement, the international community takes an important step forward in the fight against the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. “Especially in these times, when international law is increasingly questioned and geopolitical shifts are causing concern, we should welcome this victory for diplomacy and the ocean as something very positive,” says Sophie Mirgaux Dillien, Belgian Special Envoy for the Ocean. “The entry into force of BBNJ and the global enthusiasm surrounding it are exceptionally strong signals.”
The BBNJ Agreement makes it possible to better protect marine biodiversity in international waters, share knowledge, and take global measures that were previously impossible.
Preparatory work in full swing
Around the world, intensive preparations are now underway for the first Conference of the Parties (COP), which must take place within the year. During this preparatory phase, key structural decisions are being made that are essential for the effective implementation of the agreement.
“This includes decisions relating to the architecture of the organization, procedural rules, the way voting will take place at the COP, the representation of – among others – indigenous peoples, and how data and marine genetic resources will be shared,” Mirgaux Dillien explains.
These preparations of the technical and legal foundations should ensure that the first COP can also take decisions on matters such as marine protected areas in an efficient and timely manner.
Belgium welcomes the Agreement as a diplomatic milestone
Belgium has been actively involved in the development of the agreement for many years and is therefore celebrating this diplomatic milestone. Our country has also officially submitted its candidacy to host the international BBNJ Secretariat in Brussels.
“Our capital is an important hub within international diplomacy,” Mirgaux Dillien says. “Many countries – large and small – already have an embassy or representation here. There is proximity to several relevant international organizations too. This means that the BBNJ Secretariat can immediately start its work in an environment where everyone can contribute to the protection of the ocean. Moreover, our country has a strong base of marine expertise.”
A call for global participation
In the meantime, 83 parties have ratified the BBNJ Agreement, and another 62 have indicated that they will do so soon. Belgium calls on all countries to join this global effort. The larger the number of parties, the more global the implementation of the agreement and the stronger the protection of our ocean.
