Historic high seas agreement takes effect, targets protection of two-thirds of ocean
From diplomacy to action, treaty enters into force, ushers in a new era of global ocean protection
- January 17, 2026, may be remembered as a milestone — but the true measure of success will lie in how effectively the world delivers on its promises.
- UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen underscored the urgency, saying the decades-in-the-making agreement must shift “from words to action” to truly safeguard the high seas and deep seabed.
- The entry into force of the High Seas Treaty marks a historic turning point in global ocean governance, earning worldwide praise. But the real challenge begins now: turning years of negotiation into meaningful action that delivers lasting protection for the ocean and humanity.
After two decades of negotiations and nearly two years after its adoption, the Treaty officially came into force on January 17, 2026. With more than 80 countries on board, it establishes the first-ever legally binding framework to conserve marine biodiversity in international waters — a landmark achievement in multilateral cooperation.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the moment as “historic” for both people and the planet, saying the agreement fills a critical gap in global governance and helps secure a resilient, productive ocean for all.
Officially known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, the Treaty addresses the vast expanse of the high seas — two-thirds of the ocean that lies beyond national borders and has long lacked comprehensive regulation, according to United ations Foundation.
The ocean, the planet’s largest ecosystem, is central to climate stability, global trade, food security, and livelihoods. Yet governance of international waters has remained fragmented. The BBNJ Agreement creates a path to coordinated global action where oversight was previously limited.
The Treaty sets the stage for cooperation among countries, international organizations, and industry, while giving all nations a voice in shaping key measures, including:
- Environmental impact assessments
- Area-based management tools, such as marine protected areas
- Rules on marine genetic resources and fair sharing of their benefits
- Capacity-building and technology transfer to strengthen marine research
As momentum builds, leaders are now under pressure to ensure the agreement moves from diplomatic success to practical implementation. Over the coming year, negotiators are expected to finalize recommendations and set a date for the first Conference of the Parties (COP), where countries will begin translating commitments into concrete action — including proposals for the first generation of high seas marine protected areas.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen underscored the urgency, saying the decades-in-the-making agreement must shift “from words to action” to truly safeguard the high seas and deep seabed.
January 17, 2026, may be remembered as a milestone — but the true measure of success will lie in how effectively the world delivers on its promises.
