By Micah Jonah
January 17, 2026
A landmark United Nations treaty to safeguard biodiversity in international waters has officially entered into force, establishing a legally binding framework to protect marine ecosystems, address threats such as overfishing. The treaty, known as Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), aims to bring 30% of the world’s oceans under protection by 2030.
The agreement, finalized in March 2023 after 15 years of negotiation, allows countries to create a global network of marine protected areas in previously unregulated high seas. More than 80 nations, including China, Brazil, and Japan, have ratified the treaty, surpassing the 60 required for it to take effect. Additional ratifications are expected from countries such as Britain and Australia, while the United States has signed but not yet ratified the accord.
Under the treaty, participating nations must conduct environmental assessments of activities affecting ocean ecosystems and share benefits from marine genetic resources, which are used in industries like biotechnology. Environmental advocates estimate that over 190,000 protected areas will need to be established to meet the “30 by 30” goal, noting that only 8% of oceans are currently safeguarded.
Officials stress the treaty is ambitious but limited. It does not govern seabed mining, which remains under the jurisdiction of the International Seabed Authority. Supporters say the agreement represents a historic step toward a comprehensive global legal regime for two-thirds of the planet’s surface.
The treaty’s implementation marks a significant milestone in international conservation efforts and underscores the growing global commitment to preserving ocean biodiversity.
