Most of the world has taken a significant step toward protecting the planet’s oceans with the entry into force of a new United Nations treaty governing the high seas. The agreement, which became legally binding on January 17, establishes the first comprehensive framework to conserve biodiversity in international waters—areas that lie beyond the jurisdiction of any single country and make up nearly two-thirds of the global ocean.

Formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, the treaty is designed to address long-standing gaps in ocean governance. Until now, activities on the high seas have been regulated through a patchwork of sector-specific bodies and treaties, leaving marine ecosystems vulnerable to overfishing, pollution, climate change, and emerging industrial pressures. The new treaty aims to bring coherence to this fragmented system by setting common rules for conservation and sustainable use.

One of the treaty’s most significant provisions is its mechanism for creating marine protected areas in international waters. These protected zones, comparable in principle to national parks on land, are intended to safeguard ecologically important regions, protect migratory species, and help restore depleted marine ecosystems. Supporters view this as a crucial tool for meeting global biodiversity targets, including international commitments to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.

The agreement also establishes rules for access to and sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources found in the high seas. These genetic materials, which can be used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biotechnology, have long raised concerns about equity. Under the new framework, benefits derived from such resources are to be shared more fairly, particularly with developing countries that may lack the capacity to exploit them directly.

Adopted in June 2023 after nearly two decades of negotiations, the treaty entered into force after Morocco became the 60th country to ratify it in September. Since then, an additional 21 countries have completed ratification, while another 64 have signed the agreement, signaling their intention to do so. Despite this broad support, some major maritime powers remain outside the treaty. Russia has not signed the agreement, and while the United States signed it in 2023, it has yet to complete domestic ratification.

The treaty does have limitations. Its authority over fishing on the high seas remains constrained, as existing regional fisheries management organizations retain primary responsibility in many areas. Additionally, the agreement does not cover deep-sea mining, which continues to fall under the mandate of the International Seabed Authority. These gaps have raised concerns among environmental groups about the treaty’s ability to fully address all major threats to ocean health.

Even so, the agreement is widely seen as a landmark moment for multilateral environmental cooperation. At a time marked by geopolitical tensions and strained international relations, the treaty represents a rare instance of broad global consensus. Its success will now depend on effective implementation, adequate funding, scientific input, and continued political will. As countries begin to translate the treaty’s provisions into action, the world will be watching to see whether this new framework can deliver meaningful protection for the vast and vulnerable ecosystems of the high seas.