BBNJ Ratification Ceremony: A Milestone for Ocean Governance
New York — 28th May 2025
The United Nations hosted a landmark ratification ceremony for the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). The ratification of this Treaty by Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal, Slovenia and the EU marked a significant step towards its entry into force, and therefore towards safeguarding the health and resilience of our oceans.The BBNJ Agreement establishes a comprehensive legal framework to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction – covering nearly half of the planet’s surface. It aims to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources, protect fragile ecosystems, and strengthen international cooperation in ocean governance, in line with the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
