A swathe of countries from around the world have ratified the High Seas Treaty, which is (or will be) a new international treaty aimed at preserving biodiversity in the high seas beyond the jurisdiction limits of countries.
About 18 Countries ratified the High Seas Treaty at the UN Ocean Conference held in Nice, France, in early June. The ratifying countries were Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Malta, Vietnam, Jamaica, Albania, Bahamas, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Fiji, Mauritania, Vanuatu, Greece and Jordan.
There are now approximately 49 countries that have now ratified the High Seas Treaty, which needs 60 ratifications to enter into force. After the 60th ratification, the Treaty will enter into force 120 days later.
“[The] surge of ratifications for the High Seas Treaty is a tidal wave of hope and a huge cause for celebration”, said Rebecca Hubbard, Director of High Seas Alliance. “This marks a powerful victory for everyone who worked relentlessly to put High Seas protection at the heart of the global environmental agenda. Our deepest thanks go to the countries that stepped up and showed true political leadership of getting towards the first 60 to ratify the Treaty. While many international agreements take years to enter into force, the action here in Nice today is a testament to the global momentum and urgency of action for the ocean. With just 11 more ratifications needed for entry into force, it could be just a matter of weeks before the 60 is achieved.”
About the Treaty
The High Seas Treaty creates a legal framework that designates areas of the High Seas that are not under national jurisdiction as being protected for the benefit of marine life. The Treaty, formally titled the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, and is also known as the BBNJ (i.e. for Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction).
The BBNJ treaty addresses, among other things:
- the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction;
- marine genetic resources, including questions on benefit-sharing;
- area-based management tools, including marine protected areas;
- environmental impact assessments ; and
- capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology.
The International Maritime Organization has been a participant in the creation of the treaty.
Further reading
UN reaches agreement on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions Treaty
UNCTAD set to support countries under new landmark treaty on the High Seas
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions treaty formally adopted by the United Nations
Shipping Australia gives evidence to Federal joint Senate / House Committee
