As the global community converges at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s sixteenth Conference of the Parties (COP16), momentum generated by the recent ratifications of the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) during the UN General Assembly continues to build. With 105 countries expressing intent to ratify and 14 already committed, the Treaty is steadily progressing. RISE UP is pleased to have contributed to this trend by co-organizing a capacity-building workshop for the South and Southeast Asia region, aimed at supporting early ratification and implementation of the treaty ahead of UNGA 79.
At the heart of the discussions during COP16 is a focus on Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs), underscoring the vital synergy between the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the High Seas Treaty. EBSAs are crucial for achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework’s (GBF) ambitious 30×30 target, which aims to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. The protection of these areas is also essential for establishing High Seas Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) under the High Seas Treaty. Throughout the conference, countries emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Treaty and advocated for the integration of best practices.
The Race to Ratification
While identifying and planning High Seas MPAs is urgent, they cannot be formally designated until the Treaty enters into force. The High Seas Treaty will only become active 120 days after it is ratified by 60 countries, becoming the first comprehensive international legal framework for conserving biodiversity in international waters. This landmark agreement is vital for reversing biodiversity loss and addressing the climate crisis, supporting the global 30×30 target agreed upon at the 2022 UN Biodiversity Summit. Once operational, the Treaty will empower nations to collaboratively manage High Seas Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and ensure sustainable ocean use. The urgency to bring the Treaty into force is clear—it’s time to translate commitment into tangible action on the water.
The Role of Marine Protected Areas
High Seas MPAs are vital for conserving biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. They protect fragile ecosystems from threats such as overfishing, mining, and climate change impacts. By establishing these protected areas under the High Seas Treaty, nations will take on a shared responsibility for safeguarding ocean health, ensuring collaboration and enforcement to protect marine life on a global scale. High Seas MPAs create safe havens for marine species, safeguard habitats for rare and migratory species and contribute to the resilience of marine environments. They are vital for global ecological balance and ensuring long-term benefits for biodiversity.
Recent Developments in MPA Initiatives
Momentum for ocean conservation was further bolstered by the launch of Chile’s “BBNJ First Movers” initiative at the UNGA at the end of September. Backed by the US and Canada, this initiative aims to accelerate the creation of a first generation of High Seas MPAs and promote the swift implementation of the High Seas Treaty, which is essential for achieving the global 30×30 biodiversity target. Chile’s leadership, alongside civil society organizations and science partners, exemplifies the political and scientific support required to establish a robust network of MPAs.
Another welcome development followed in early October, at a multi-day science symposium, hosted by the High Seas Alliance, WWF, and the Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI) in the Oceania region. This gathering brought experts and advocates together to strategize the effective implementation of the High Seas Treaty and advance MPA initiatives. Discussions included a key focus of these efforts, and the Lord Howe Rise – South Tasman Sea was identified as a priority site for one of the first High Seas MPAs due to its exceptional biodiversity and unique ecological features. Civil society organizations, scientists, stakeholders, and Indigenous communities are working closely with governments to investigate and establish the first High Seas MPAs as soon as the Treaty enters into force.
Sustaining the Momentum
From October 21 to November 1, 2024, COP16 is taking place in Cali, Colombia. This summit is the first since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and it will be instrumental in furthering the implementation of the High Seas Treaty. COP16 serves as a key moment for the global community to discuss strategies for protecting biodiversity, particularly in international waters.
Discussions at the conference so far have highlighted the need to create synergies between the implementation of the GBF and BBNJ agreements. Participants stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration among global, regional, and sub-regional bodies to align efforts across both frameworks. This discussion goes beyond area-based management tools, such as high seas MPAs, but these serve as a key point of overlap. Although there is no formal language yet directing the CBD secretariat to act, the priority must now be to translate these synergies into tangible action on the ground, driven by a whole-of-society approach.
The High Seas Alliance has developed an informative briefing and position paper on the synergies between the Convention on Biological Diversity and the High Seas Treaty that highlights this as a critical moment for ocean conservation. As we move forward, the swift ratification and implementation of the High Seas Treaty are essential not only for safeguarding marine biodiversity but also for fulfilling our global commitments under the CBD. The time for action is now.