‘It Belongs to All of Us’: The High Seas Treaty and Global Ocean Governance
Poinews.com – The High Seas Treaty, formally titled the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), has become a landmark achievement in international ocean governance. Coming into force on 17 January 2026, this treaty emphasizes that ‘it belongs to all of us’—a principle that underscores the shared responsibility of protecting the world’s oceans. By addressing the conservation of biodiversity in international waters, which cover two-thirds of the global ocean and nearly half the Earth’s surface, the treaty sets a new standard for equitable stewardship of marine resources.
A Global Commitment to Ocean Protection
Until recently, the high seas—vast regions beyond 200 nautical miles from coastal borders—remained largely unregulated, with no unified legal framework to ensure their preservation. “That’s roughly the distance between London and Paris,” says Nathalie Rey, Senior Strategy Advisor at the High Seas Alliance, highlighting the scale of these international waters. These areas, often referred to as the ‘global commons,’ are essential for climate regulation, food security, and the survival of countless marine species, yet their governance has historically been fragmented, prioritizing resource extraction over conservation.
“It belongs to all of us,” Rey adds. “So we all have this responsibility to look after it.”
The treaty introduces a robust legal mechanism to address these gaps, enabling the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) and requiring environmental impact assessments for activities like deep-sea mining and industrial fishing. This shift from a patchwork of rules to a cohesive system is critical, as it ensures that the high seas are managed with a focus on sustainability and long-term ecological health. By establishing clear procedures for marine conservation, the agreement aims to balance human activity with the need to protect these vital ecosystems.
Addressing Challenges and Ensuring Fair Access
Technological advancements have accelerated threats to the high seas, including overfishing, plastic pollution, and habitat destruction. The treaty responds to these challenges by mandating environmental assessments and promoting equitable access to marine genetic resources. Rey points out that this focus on ocean justice is particularly important for developing nations, which are now granted fair representation in benefiting from deep-sea resources such as sponges with potential pharmaceutical applications.
Despite its ambitious goals, the treaty’s implementation faces hurdles. Rey acknowledges the difficulty of enforcement, noting that satellite monitoring and digital tools will play a crucial role in tracking activities and ensuring compliance. “It’s going to be a challenge to police,” she says, but the rapid pace of technological progress offers hope for effective oversight. The treaty’s success will depend on global cooperation, transparency, and the ability to adapt to emerging threats.
Ratification and International Collaboration
The journey to ratifying the High Seas Treaty spanned over two decades, with the final agreement signed in 2023. France emerged as a key player in this process, using its hosting of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference to galvanize support. Over 190 countries participated in the negotiations, though delays caused by the global pandemic tested the timeline. The treaty achieved 60 ratifications within two years, an unprecedented speed in international law, signaling strong global commitment.
As of the interview, 89 countries had officially ratified the agreement, laying the groundwork for its expansion. This milestone highlights the treaty’s growing acceptance and the potential for widespread impact. By uniting nations under a common framework, the treaty not only strengthens legal protections but also fosters collaboration in addressing shared challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss.
The Mediterranean Sea, though covering less than 1% of the global ocean, serves as a powerful example of the high seas’ ecological significance. It hosts 18% of the world’s known marine species, demonstrating how even smaller regions contribute immensely to global biodiversity. The High Seas Treaty’s provisions are designed to safeguard such critical habitats, ensuring that their unique ecosystems are preserved for future generations.
