Norway joins international ocean treaty to protect biodiversity, ensure sustainable use, and strengthen global ocean governance efforts
Government submits proposal to join UN’s high seas treaty for sustainable marine governance
The Norwegian government has formally submitted a proposal to the Storting (Parliament) to ratify the new international agreement on the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, commonly known as the BBNJ treaty.
The agreement establishes legally binding rules for conserving biodiversity and ensuring the responsible use of marine resources in international waters—areas that lie outside the jurisdiction of any single country.
“Every country in the world must work together to protect our oceans. That’s why Norway has been a strong advocate for this agreement, and I’m pleased that we are now proposing to ratify it,” said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
International waters comprise two-thirds of the world’s oceans. The BBNJ treaty aims to enhance governance in these vast marine areas and promote cross-sector cooperation for a healthier global ocean. So far, 20 countries have joined the agreement, but 60 ratifications are required for it to enter into force. Norway signed the treaty in September 2023, and a national consultation process followed in autumn 2024.
“I’m pleased that civil society, industry and academia support the government’s move to become a party to the agreement. We must now ensure it comes into force as soon as possible—and that requires global participation,” said Eide.
The government, via the Ministry of Climate and Environment, is also proposing a new law to implement the treaty in Norwegian legislation.
“The world has already agreed to conserve 30 percent of nature by 2030. This new ocean treaty will help us reach that goal,” said Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen. “The agreement facilitates marine conservation and other protective measures, ensuring environmental impact assessments are carried out before any activity begins in international waters.”
The BBNJ treaty marks a historic step toward global marine environmental governance, aligning with international biodiversity targets and supporting long-term ocean health.
Source: Press Release
