The Pacific region is reaching a pivotal moment in ocean governance with the transition from ratification to implementation of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, which encompasses nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans. Olive Vaai, a Samoan ocean advocate and the Oceania Pacific Regional Coordinator for the High Seas Alliance, emphasized the importance of this transition during the 2025 State of the Ocean webinar.
Vaai articulated that the BBNJ agreement represents a landmark shift for ocean governance, stating, “What stands out for the Pacific Ocean in 2025 is the BBNJ agreement, as this is the point where global ambition is being tested against practical realities.” She portrayed the agreement as essential for collective stewardship that transcends national borders.
The focus this year has been on ensuring that the priorities of Pacific nations, particularly those of indigenous communities, are recognized and integrated into the BBNJ framework. Vaai underscored the need for equitable participation and inclusion, reinforcing the value of local knowledge systems in decision-making processes regarding ocean management.
Notably, she pointed out the various pressures Pacific nations face: “the same ocean spaces affected by high seas biodiversity decisions are also under pressure from climate change, overfishing, and deep-sea mining interests.” However, she also highlighted that these challenges are navigable with a united front and limited resources through strong communal voices.
Vaai stressed the importance of Pacific-led implementation, advocating for a proactive role in shaping the governance process to ensure it aligns with the cultural and historical relationships communities hold with the ocean. She identified three key priorities for 2026: capacity and capability, equity and inclusion, and connection and coherence, which she believes are vital for a decade of ocean recovery underpinned by the Pacific’s values of respect and partnership.
The BBNJ agreement, which is slated to enter into force in January 2026 following the attainment of 60 ratifications, represents a hopeful step toward enhanced ocean protection. Vaai highlighted the importance of institutional frameworks that prioritize indigenous methodologies through the High Seas Alliance’s engagement strategy.
The upcoming BBNJ preparatory committee meetings in April and May 2026 are seen as crucial for determining how the treaty will operate effectively. Vaai praised the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) for playing a pivotal role in negotiating a unified voice within larger coalitions like the G77 and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
In a call to action, she expressed the need for further ratifications to extend the reach of BBNJ regulations globally and emphasized the importance of fostering collaborations among various stakeholders, including youth groups and academic institutions, to enhance advocacy across the Pacific region. Vaai encapsulated this sentiment with the Samoan proverb, “connecting fibre with fibre,” reflecting the strength found in collective action.
The collective enthusiasm and proactive measures being taken by Pacific nations not only signal a commitment to marine conservation but also inspire hope for a sustainable future that prioritizes the health of ocean ecosystems vital to local communities. The integration of traditional knowledge in managing global ocean threats represents a step toward a more inclusive and responsible approach in safeguarding marine biodiversity.