EU Greenlights Landmark High Seas Treaty for Ocean Protection

Yesterday, Monday 17 June 2024, the EU Council of Ministers formally adopted a decision on behalf of the European Union to conclude the United Nations agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), widely known as the High Seas Treaty.

This agreement, set under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, aims to protect and sustainably use marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Following on from its adoption by the EU Council of Ministers, the European Commission welcomed the decision to conclude the United Nations agreement BBNJ). Welcoming the agreement, the Commission stated:

“With today’s decision, the EU is now ready to formally deposit the ratification instrument, which the EU and its Member States are committed to doing before the next UN Ocean conference in June 2025.”

A Step Towards Ocean Stewardship

The High Seas Treaty targets the conservation and stewardship of the world’s oceans, accounting for two-thirds of the ocean’s surface and 95% of its volume. The treaty’s primary focus is on preserving, restoring, and maintaining biological diversity and ecosystems. Key measures for its implementation and further international coordination include:

• Marine Genetic Resources: Ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
• Marine Protected Areas: Establishing protected zones on the high seas.
• Environmental Impact Assessments: Implementing obligations, rules, and procedures.
• Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer: Supporting developing countries in these efforts.

The EU and its member states have been particularly committed to an ambitious procedure for establishing MPAs on the high seas and seabed. Achieving the 30×30 goal, which aims to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, is a crucial part of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework. The High Seas Treaty is seen as a game-changer in meeting this objective.

Next Steps and Global Ratification

For the BBNJ agreement to enter into force, it requires ratification by 60 countries or organizations. As of now, seven countries have ratified the treaty, and 89 have signed it. The agreement will officially take effect 120 days after the 60th ratification.

EU’s Role and Commitment

The EU has been instrumental in the negotiations and adoption of the High Seas Treaty. The journey began in March 2018 when the Council authorized the Commission to participate in the negotiations. The successful completion of these negotiations in March 2023 led to the treaty’s adoption by the UN General Assembly in June 2023. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed the treaty on behalf of the EU in September 2023.

Following a proposal by the Commission in October 2023, the Council reached a political agreement in April 2024, and the European Parliament gave its consent. With today’s decision, the EU is ready to ratify the treaty, with a commitment to deposit the ratification instrument before the next UN Ocean Conference in June 2025.

Addressing Oceanic Challenges

The High Seas Treaty addresses significant gaps in ocean protection, with only about 1% of the high seas currently protected. The treaty allows for the creation of MPAs, contributing significantly to reducing climate change and protecting biodiversity. It also sets a framework for fair and equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources and supports capacity building and technology transfer to developing countries.

The EU has pledged support for the treaty’s implementation, particularly for developing countries, through the EU Global Ocean Programme. The EU also calls on other major donors to contribute to this effort.

By ratifying the High Seas Treaty, the EU aims to enhance global coordination and synergies among ocean-related activities, promoting a more holistic management of high seas activities. This landmark treaty represents a pivotal moment in ocean conservation and a significant advancement in international environmental governance.