The BBNJ Agreement, or "High Seas Treaty" is a legally binding UN treaty adopted in 2023 to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Entering into force on January 17, 2026, it covers two-thirds of the ocean, establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), environmental assessments, and fair sharing of marine genetic resources.
Under the overall objective of the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, for the present and in the long-term, through effective implementation of the relevant provisions of the Convention and further international cooperation and coordination, the Agreement addresses four main issues:
- Marine genetic resources, including the fair and equitable sharing of benefits;
- Measures such as area-based management tools, including marine protected areas;
- Environmental impact assessments; and
- Capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology.
The Agreement also addresses a number of “cross-cutting issues”, establishes a funding mechanism and sets up institutional arrangements, including a Conference of the Parties and various subsidiary bodies, a Clearing-House Mechanism and a secretariat.
The Agreement was open for signature by all States and regional economic integration organizations from 20 September 2023 to 20 September 2025, and entered into force on 17 January 2026 (Depository notificationC.N.447.2025.TREATIES-XXI.10). As of 21 September 2025, any State or regional economic integration organization that has not signed the Agreement by the date it was closed for signature may accede to it.