On January 17, a landmark global treaty aimed at protecting ocean life in international waters officially took effect. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced that this treaty establishes legally binding regulations for the sustainable use and management of marine resources in the high seas.
Formerly known as the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), the treaty encompasses various aspects of marine biodiversity, such as marine genetic resources. It emphasizes fair and equitable sharing of benefits and includes area-based management tools, like marine protected areas, to help safeguard these vital ecosystems.
The treaty also considers essential components such as environmental impact assessments, capacity-building, and the transfer of marine technology. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed optimism regarding the treaty’s potential, stating, “The world has demonstrated that countries can come together with a common vision and build a framework to manage the ocean sustainably while ensuring its benefits are shared fairly amongst all humanity.” He affirmed the IMO’s commitment to aiding the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement within its areas of expertise.
The IMO highlights that vessels navigating the world’s oceans are already subject to rigorous environmental, safety, and security regulations that apply during their journeys. The Organization has crafted more than 50 binding treaties and other initiatives to promote the sustainable use of oceans, enforced by a robust system of flag, coastal, and port state control.
In addition to the BBNJ Agreement, the IMO’s existing conventions contribute significantly to conserving marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. These include the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution by Ships (MARPOL), the International Ballast Water Management Convention, and the London Convention and Protocol, which governs waste dumping at sea.
Furthermore, a new legally binding framework is currently being developed to tackle issues related to ships’ biofouling and to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species. The BBNJ Agreement, which formally entered into force following its adoption in June 2023, represents the culmination of years of negotiations and preparatory work. To date, over 80 nations, including Fiji, have ratified the Agreement. Fiji’s signing of the BBNJ Agreement in September 2023 underscores the country’s commitment to ocean conservation and the responsible management of marine resources.
With collective international efforts, this treaty marks a significant step forward in ensuring the sustainable management of our oceans, promoting a hopeful future for marine biodiversity.