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The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement (BBNJ)

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A landmark agreement, now we must make it work for everyone

The first international agreement to protect marine biodiversity beyond national borders was adopted in 2023. Now the critical work of implementation begins — and civil society must be at the table.
The BBNJ Agreement is a landmark international agreement that creates the first global framework to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity beyond national borders.

Covering more than half of the world's ocean, these shared waters require countries to work together to protect ecosystems that no single nation can manage alone. The Agreement entered into force in January 2026 marking a historic moment for the ocean and humanity, yet its long-term impact will depend on how it is implemented.

The decisions made now will shape future ocean governance, from conservation measures to scientific collaboration and benefit-sharing. RISE UP is working to ensure this new governance system is inclusive, equitable and effective from the outset.
A devil ray silhouetted against sunrays beneath the surface
61%
of the global ocean lies beyond national jurisdiction.
Why It Matters

The high seas make up more than half of the global ocean.

They sustain marine life, help regulate the global climate, and support communities and economies around the world. Yet their governance remains fragmented, and participation in international decision-making is uneven.

The BBNJ Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, establishes new mechanisms for marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments and benefit-sharing, creating a new framework for international cooperation on ocean governance.

How the Agreement is implemented will determine how these mechanisms work in practice. As new institutions and processes take shape, developing States, Indigenous Peoples, small-scale fishers, civil society and other groups need to be represented in the decisions that affect them. This includes ensuring space for different forms of knowledge and experience alongside scientific and technical expertise.
What We're Doing

Advocating for inclusive implementation

RISE UP works with the High Seas Alliance, network members and partners to strengthen inclusive participation in the implementation of the High Seas Treaty at the national, regional and global levels.

Together we will:
  • Work in priority countries to strengthen coordination around ratification and implementation.
  • Connect community-led organizations with global coalitions and relevant policy processes.
  • Provide multilingual briefings, information-sharing sessions, and strategic and capacity support.
  • Coordinate advocacy and messaging around key diplomatic moments, including PrepCom, COP and the UN General Assembly.
  • Support members engaging with national ministries and delegations around shared priorities.
  • Create opportunities for community perspectives, including Indigenous knowledge and experience, to inform national and international discussions.

RISE UP in action

RISE UP IN ACTION

Convening high-level ocean dialogues

In collaboration with the High Seas Alliance and the Ilhas do Rio Project, RISE UP convened a high-level Ocean Dialogue under Oceans 20.

This convening brought together experts and policymakers to develop a comprehensive set of policy recommendations aimed at accelerating ratification and implementation of the High Seas Treaty under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

These recommendations were designed to inform the Oceans 20 Communiqué and guide national governments in the next phase of treaty adoption.
Case RISE UP IN ACTION

Asia Workshop on BBNJ Implementation (Chennai, 2024)

Together with the High Seas Alliance and the Bay of Bengal Programme (BoBP), we convened a two-day regional workshop in Chennai, India.

Titled “From Ratification to Implementation: Challenges and Opportunities for the Conservation and Management of the High Seas in South and Southeast Asia”, the workshop strengthened understanding of the BBNJ Agreement and supported regional preparedness for implementation.

Participants explored governance gaps, capacity needs and opportunities for coordinated regional action.
RISE UP IN ACTION

Our Ocean Conference (Busan, 2025)

At the Our Ocean Conference in Busan, South Korea, RISE UP and the High Seas Alliance co-hosted a high-level event on the High Seas Treaty.

The event highlighted the importance of sustained political momentum and showcased commitments from countries including the Republic of Korea and Panama, reinforcing global readiness for implementation ahead of the UN Ocean Conference.

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