Post by : Naveen Mittal

Historic High Seas Treaty Receives 60th Ratification, Set to Take Effect in 2026

In a significant milestone for global marine conservation, Morocco became the 60th country to ratify the High Seas Treaty on September 19, 2025, triggering its formal entry into force. This treaty, officially known as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), is the first legally binding international framework designed to protect marine biodiversity in international waters, which account for nearly two-thirds of the ocean and half of Earth's surface.

A Landmark Achievement for Ocean Protection

The treaty's ratification marks a historic step in safeguarding the high seas, which have long been vulnerable to overfishing, climate change, and deep-sea mining due to the absence of a cohesive legal framework. By establishing marine protected areas, regulating harmful activities, and fostering international scientific collaboration, the treaty aims to preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations.

Global Commitment to Marine Conservation

The High Seas Treaty has garnered widespread support, with 143 countries and the European Union signing the agreement. The ratification process began in January 2024, with Palau being the first country to ratify. Since then, nations from every region have joined, culminating in the 60th ratification by Morocco. This global commitment underscores the urgency of protecting our oceans and the shared responsibility of nations to address environmental challenges.

Implementation and Future Steps

With the treaty set to enter into force 120 days after the 60th ratification, the first Conference of the Parties will convene within a year to establish governance and oversight mechanisms. This conference will be crucial in shaping the treaty's implementation and ensuring its effectiveness in conserving marine biodiversity.

Environmental leaders emphasize that while the treaty's adoption is a significant achievement, its success hinges on effective implementation and continued global cooperation. The treaty is also vital to achieving the global "30x30" conservation goal of protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030.