These regions constitute more than two-thirds of the ocean surface, representing More than 90 percent of Earth’s habitat by volume.. This is because the ocean is deep and most of Earth’s habitable space is underwater.
Here are some of the key things you should know:
Why is it important
The BBNJ is designed to transform the “high seas” and international seabed into an environment that can be managed sustainably for the benefit of all humanity.
it is also the first legally binding ocean instrument providing for inclusive ocean governance, with provisions on the participation of indigenous peoples and local communities and on gender balance.
Once fully implemented, the Agreement is expected to make a vital contribution to addressing the so-called “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
talking to UN NewsTanzanian diplomat Mzee Ali Haji, who led his country’s negotiating team during the BBNJ discussions, said the agreement marks an important step in protecting international waters.
“Everyone must take into account that there is now control of activity on the high seas. For example, when you pollute, you are responsible for your actions.”
The BBNJ strengthens the current international legal framework: it is based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea – in effect, the “constitution for the oceans” – which has set the rules for maritime and seabed exploitation and marine protection since it came into force in 1994.
The agreement addresses gaps in the Convention, includes more details on how to manage biodiversity, and aligns ocean governance with modern challenges such as climate change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (the UN-sponsored plan to solve the world’s toughest challenges).
What does “entry into force” mean?
After entry into force, becomes legally binding for the 81 nations that have ratified it so farThat is, they undertake to incorporate it into their national legislation.
The treaty specifies that it enters into force this Saturday: 120 days after it was ratified – accepted as legally binding – by at least 60 countries.
Who has registered and who has not?
Many major economies have ratified the BBNJ, notably China, Germany, Japan, France and Brazil.
China has a particularly large impact on industries connected to the ocean (such as shipbuilding, aquaculture, fishing and offshore oil and gas), exporting some $155 billion in ocean-related goods in 2023, according to figures from the UN trade agency.
He Resisters include the United States, India, the United Kingdom and Russia..
The United States, the world’s largest economy, is one of the top five exporters of ocean-related goods ($61 billion). Although the country adopted the treaty in 2023, it has not yet been ratified and the Senate has not acted on it.
India, a major exporting developing economy ($19 billion), adopted the treaty in 2024, but domestic legislation on its ratification is still pending. While the UK introduced legislation on the issue in 2025, it has yet to be ratified by parliament.
Russia remains one of the minority of nations that has neither adopted nor ratified the treatyciting their desire to preserve existing governance frameworks and ensure that freedom of navigation and maritime transport in international waters is guaranteed.
Is this a big setback for the treaty?
Despite the reluctance of some major economies to fully commit through ratification, Haji is optimistic about the impact the BBNJ will have, in its current state.
“Developing countries and small island countries need support,” he says. “We hope that in the future they accept this agreement because it will help them. Protecting the high seas is the responsibility of all of us.”
What happens next?
The door remains open for more countries to ratify it, which will make it more effective.
“When you negotiate something, you can’t get 100 percent of the people to ratify or accept it in one term,” Haji says. “Some just watch and then when they see the advantages, they join. I think that in the future others will join”.
In addition to universal participation, the key to making BBNJ work will be implementation; in other words, take action against those who break the rules.
According to the text of the agreement, the first meeting to monitor progress on both fronts will take place no later than one year after the entry into force of the Agreement.