Senior legal representatives from the Pacific region are convening in Suva, Fiji, for a groundbreaking workshop aimed at implementing the historic BBNJ Agreement, which focuses on ocean governance in areas beyond national jurisdiction. This three-day workshop holds particular significance as it follows the recent establishment of the world’s first legally binding agreement designed to protect biological diversity in international waters, which became effective last weekend after nearly two decades of negotiations.
Dr. Filimon Manoni, the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, emphasized the workshop as a vital opportunity to promote regional collaboration and enhance awareness of the BBNJ Agreement in the Pacific context. He expressed optimism that the legal and policy experts attending the workshop would acquire crucial insights to navigate the implementation challenges in their respective domains. Dr. Manoni described the event as a collaborative platform where participants could share experiences and strategies for localizing the BBNJ Agreement.
Esther O’Brien, Minister Counsellor of the Solomon Islands High Commission to Fiji, underscored the importance of sustained dialogue in the ongoing BBNJ negotiations. The Pacific has been involved in discussions for nearly two decades, and O’Brien highlighted that the full implementation of the BBNJ Agreement is scheduled for January 17, 2026. She urged participants to leverage the knowledge gained during the workshop to drive the ratification process forward.
By the conclusion of the workshop, attendees are expected to create a detailed roadmap for the regional implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, along with strategic approaches customized for national contexts. O’Brien also expressed hope that the workshop would empower those nations still finalizing their ratification to complete the necessary commitments.
Currently, there are 145 signatories and 84 parties to the BBNJ Agreement, with eight Pacific nations—Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Kiribati—having ratified it. This progress illustrates a collective commitment to protecting ocean ecosystems, fostering a healthier marine environment for generations to come.