IUCN Director General Dr Grethel Aguilar’s reacts as the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) came into force on Saturday, January 17, 2026, marking a defining moment for global ocean protection and multilateral environmental governance
Saturday, January 17, 2026, marks a historic milestone for the ocean and for multilateral environmental governance. With the entry into force of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), the international community has taken a decisive step toward protecting the ocean as a common heritage of humankind.
For the first time, the High Seas – nearly half of our planet – will be governed by a comprehensive, legally binding framework that enables cooperation to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. This Agreement transforms decades of scientific and traditional knowledge, advocacy, and diplomacy into concrete tools for action.
The BBNJ Agreement opens a new era for ocean protection. It makes possible the establishment of effective marine protected areas on the High Seas, brings modern environmental impact assessment standards to ocean activities, strengthens coherence across existing ocean governance bodies, and ensures the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources. In doing so, it turns the global ambition to protect at least 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030 into an achievable reality.
IUCN is proud to have contributed to this achievement over more than two decades, working alongside States, scientists, Indigenous Peoples, civil society, and partners across the Union. We wish to recognise the visionary leadership of IUCN High Seas Adviser Kristina Gjerde, whose early and unwavering advocacy for a legally binding agreement to protect biodiversity on the High Seas helped lay the foundations for this Treaty. We now look to the leadership of the BBNJ High Ambition Coalition, to galvanise continued political momentum for a fast, fair and equitable implementation that brings the Agreement to life.
As the BBNJ Agreement enters into force, attention now turns to implementation. The next preparatory commission meeting, ahead of the first Conference of the Parties, will be a definitive moment that is critical to operationalising the Treaty. There, work will focus on establishing its institutions, financial mechanisms, and procedures, ensuring that capacity-building and technology transfer enable all countries to participate fully and effectively.
IUCN stands ready to continue supporting Parties through the Technical Assistance Facility of the EU Global Ocean Programme (Component 1) to translate this landmark Agreement into lasting protection for marine biodiversity, resilient ocean ecosystems, and a healthier planet for present and future generations.