A high-level leaders’ event gathered representatives from governments, intergovernmental organizations, science, and civil society to foster the high seas treaty’s swift entry into force. Palau and Chile are the only two countries that have ratified the agreement. It needs 58 more ratifications to enter into force.

The treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement, or high seas treaty) was adopted in June 2023 in what is widely recognized as a “significant achievement for multilateralism,” the Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) summary report of the meeting highlights.

The Blue Leaders High-level Event on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction convened in Brussels, Belgium, on 7 March 2024. All speakers agreed on the aim of using the Third UN Ocean Conference in June 2025 as a platform to mark the entry into force of the BBNJ treaty.

Paul Van Tigchelt, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and the North Sea, Belgium, announced that Belgium passed the first step in its federal ratification process. Prince Albert II of Monaco said Monaco aims to complete its ratification process by the end of 2024.

Richard Benyon, Minister of State for Climate, Environment and Energy, UK, said his country is reviewing what legislative changes are needed to comply with the BBNJ Agreement at the national level and is offering to support developing countries conducting similar assessments. Sebastian Unger, Federal Commissioner for the Ocean, Germany, announced an upcoming call for projects under Germany’s International Climate Initiative to support countries in the Global South in identifying marine protected areas (MPAs), noting this will help kickstart implementation of the treaty.

Among key takeaways from the meeting, the ENB summary highlights:

• Through the designation of MPAs, the BBNJ Agreement is key to reaching the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), especially the target of protecting 30% of terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas by 2030, or the ‘30×30’ target.
• There are many ocean-climate interlinkages, with several speakers highlighting the role of kelp forests as habitat for endangered species and as carbon sinks.
• There is a need for enhanced global cooperation to advance ocean science, with small island developing States (SIDS) emphasizing the importance of technology transfer and capacity building.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo extended his country’s offer to host the BBNJ Secretariat in Brussels and underscored the objective of fostering swift ratification of the treaty within the EU.

The event convened on the initiative of Belgium’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2024. [ENB Coverage of Blue Leaders High-Level Event on BBNJ] [SDG Knowledge Hub Story on Palau’s Ratification of High Seas Treaty]