The High Seas make up 50% of the surface area of our Planet and include the water column and seafloor. This area is owned by no one yet is the responsibility of everyone.
Following nearly 20 years of discussions and negotiations, on 19 June 2023, at the UN Headquarters in New York, World Governments formally adopted a new international treaty under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
As of 19 September 2025, the High Seas Treaty reached the 60 ratifications, and on 17 January 2026, it entered into force.
Why the Treaty is important for the ocean – and ocean
The High Seas Treaty is a legally binding instrument and global framework to protect the Ocean beyond countries’ national jurisdictions (ie. International waters or The High Seas), also known as the BBNJ Agreement.
The Ocean absorbs heat, produces oxygen, sequesters carbon and regulates the climate and is our biggest ally to deal with the consequences of climate change. The High Seas Treaty will not only contribute to mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis but also protect biodiversity and achieve the objective of protecting at least 30% of the planet by 2030.
Establishing the High Seas Treaty is a chance to combat overexploitation of the Ocean and its resources, as well as bring in protection measures for emerging threats like deep sea mining. Once in force, the High Seas Treaty will allow the establishment of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the High Seas and will provide new tools to halt biodiversity loss and ocean degradation through ensuring environmental impact assessments of planned human activities.
It will also boost equity for developing countries through increasing knowledge and technology access, strengthening capacity and ensuring the equitable access and sharing of the benefits of marine genetic resources.
Why is this a RISE UP Priority Campaign?
RISE UP has placed a high priority on ratification and implementation of the High Seas Treaty, as it aligns with the following key aspects of the Blue Call to Action:
- Effective and equitable ocean governance and management.
- The establishment of a global network of effective and representative marine protected areas by 2030.
- The Treaty will be instrumental in helping to achieve the Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework that includes protecting at least 30 percent of the ocean by 2030.
What’s next?
Under the Treaty, the first Conference of the Parties (CoP) must convene within a year of entry into force, likely toward the end of 2026.
Preparatory work is already underway at the UN to build the institutions and processes in time for CoP1 that will ensure the Treaty’s ambition and long-term effectiveness.
Governments and stakeholders are also laying the groundwork for developing High Seas MPA proposals to protect critical biodiversity sites once the Treaty is operational. These include the Salas y Gómez and Nazca Ridges, the Lord Howe Rise and South Tasman Sea, the Sargasso Sea and the Thermal Dome in the Eastern Pacific.
Rise Up has been proud to work closely with key partners like the High Seas Alliance to ensure the High Seas Treaty is strong, fair, and truly global. Together, we are committed to turning the Treaty’s promises into real protections for the High Seas and real hope for our planet. Entry into force is only the beginning; now comes the critical work of ensuring the Treaty lives up to its ambitions and becomes a game-changer for ocean governance. While reaching 60 ratifications is a milestone, every UN Member State (who has signed the Agreement) must now ratify the Treaty to guarantee its global legitimacy, ensure equitable participation in decision-making and enable bold collective action to address the climate and biodiversity crises.
As we move forward, Rise Up will continue to champion inclusive implementation and strong institutional foundations. Countries must actively contribute to the development of the Treaty’s institutions and processes through the ongoing Preparatory Commission meetings, and be ready for the First Conference of the Parties next year. The next phase of the “Race for Ratification” is to go from “60ToGlobal”, because every country matters. We will work to ensure that implementation is not only swift, but also just—prioritizing equity and meaningful participation from local communities and frontline stakeholders. With strong partnerships and shared purpose, we can make the High Seas Treaty a powerful tool for global ocean protection.
Accelerating High Seas Treaty ratification: Policy Recommendations for Oceans 20/G20
Ocean Dialogues 2024 (Brazil)
RISE UP in collaboration with The High Seas Alliance and the Ilhas do Rio Project, convened an Ocean Dialogue under the auspices of Oceans 20. During this event, experts and leaders shared insights and exchanged knowledge, resulting in a comprehensive set of policy recommendations aimed at expediting the ratification and implementation of the High Seas Treaty under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These recommendations will be considered when drafting the final Oceans 20 Communiqué.
You can watch the Webinar here and we invite you to download the detailed policy recommendations document to explore the actions required by various stakeholders to achieve these critical objectives.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation:
Insights from the Asia Capacity Building Workshop on the BBNJ Agreement
RISEUP in collaboration with High Seas Alliance and the BoBP hosted a two-day regional capacity-building workshop on the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) in Chennai, India, from August 27-28, 2024. The workshop remained true to its title “From Ratification to Implementation: Challenges and Opportunities for the Conservation and Management of the High Seas in South and Southeast Asia”, aiming at enhancing the understanding and preparation of Asian countries for the BBNJ Agreement.
High level event at Our Ocean, South Korea
During the Our Ocean Conference in Busan, South Korea, in April 2025, the RISE UP, along with the High Seas Alliance (HSA), co-hosted a high-level event on the High Seas Treaty, focusing on its importance and the political momentum for its ratification. Key announcements were made by several countries, including the Republic of Korea and Panama, underscoring a commitment to ocean action and sustainable management in the lead-up to the UN Ocean Conference.
Key Partners
Resources
- High Seas Treaty Ratification Tracker
- Press Release from HSA: Entry into force triggered