60 Ratifications Achieved: Ocean Treaty Marks Significant Milestone in Marine Protection Efforts

Historic Ocean Treaty Gains Momentum: 60 Ratifications Trigger Landmark Protection pact

Saturday, September 20, 2025. – A watershed moment for marine conservation has arrived as the global treaty dedicated to protecting the oceans has secured its 60th ratification. This critical milestone activates the historic agreement in 120 days,representing a significant leap forward in safeguarding international waters for future generations.

The Treaty’s Impact and Urgency

Greenpeace has hailed this development as a crucial win for ocean protection, emphasizing the immediate need for all nations to act decisively before the first United Nations conference on the Oceans, scheduled for 2026. The organization is strongly urging countries that have yet to ratify the treaty to do so before the summit, warning that inaction will exclude them from vital negotiations.

Currently, a mere 0.9% of international waters enjoy complete or high-level protection. The treaty is therefore seen as essential to dramatically increase this figure through the establishment of marine sanctuaries. These sanctuaries are intended to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis and secure food resources for the billions who rely on the ocean’s bounty.

Canada-Sized Conservation Targets

A recent analysis conducted by Greenpeace reveals the scale of the task ahead. To achieve the treaty’s goal of protecting 30% of international waters by 2030, nations must collectively safeguard over 12 million square kilometers annually over the next five years. This equates to an area comparable in size to Canada.

Metric	Value
Current Protected International Waters	0.9%
Target Protection by 2030	30%
Annual Protection Needed	12 million km²
Area Equivalent to	Canada

Spain Leads the Way in Europe

On February 4th, Spain became the first European nation to formally ratify the treaty, setting a powerful exmaple for others to follow. Ana Pascual, of Greenpeace Spain, lauded the Spanish goverment’s leadership and called for continued commitment to ocean protection, specifically advocating for the proposal of areas within international waters for complete safeguarding during the upcoming COP of the Oceans.

Key Demands for Effective Implementation

Greenpeace is advocating for the following measures to ensure the treaty’s success:

• Rapid Sanctuary Declaration: Governments should prioritize the immediate declaration of highly or fully protected marine sanctuaries in international waters,going beyond the largely symbolic protections offered by existing marine protected areas.
• Expedited Action: The treaty must be implemented swiftly, avoiding delays often caused by bodies like Regional Fisheries Management Organizations, which have historically contributed to ocean depletion.
• Science-Based Decision Making: Sanctuary designations should be firmly grounded in scientific evidence and incorporate the knowledge and participation of indigenous peoples and local communities.

Did You Know? Underwater mining, a newly emerging threat, poses a significant risk to ocean ecosystems. Millions worldwide are calling for a moratorium on this destructive practise.

Citizen Power and Celebrity Support

Greenpeace acknowledges the pivotal role played by global citizenry and extends its gratitude to the over three million members and supporters worldwide. This campaign has also garnered notable backing from cultural icons including Javier and Carlos Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Elena Anaya, Alejandro Sanz, Úrsula Corberó, Álvaro Longoria, Alba Flores, Pedro Alonso, Jon Kortajarena, and David Broncano.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about ocean conservation efforts and consider supporting organizations dedicated to protecting our marine ecosystems.

The Importance of Ocean Conservation – A Long-Term Perspective

The health of the world’s oceans is inextricably linked to the well-being of humanity.Oceans provide essential ecosystem services, including climate regulation, oxygen production, and food security. overfishing, pollution, and climate change are placing unprecedented strain on these vital ecosystems. Protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, as targeted by this treaty, is a scientifically-backed goal to build resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of marine life and the communities that depend on it.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ocean Treaty

What are your thoughts on this historic agreement? Do you believe it will be enough to safeguard our oceans for future generations?

What specific types of marine ecosystems will the BBNJ Treaty’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) aim to safeguard?

The High Seas Treaty: A Global Effort for Ocean Conservation

The landmark High Seas Treaty,officially known as the Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ),has officially crossed a critical threshold – achieving 60 ratifications as of September 20,2025. This milestone signifies the treaty is poised to enter into force, marking a pivotal moment in international efforts to protect our oceans and their invaluable biodiversity. For decades, the vast expanse of international waters – representing nearly half the Earth’s surface – lacked a extensive legal framework for conservation. This treaty directly addresses that gap.

Understanding the Scope of the BBNJ Treaty

The BBNJ Treaty aims to establish a framework for:

* Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Creating MPAs in areas beyond national jurisdiction, safeguarding critical habitats and ecosystems. This includes seamounts, hydrothermal vents, and the open ocean.

* Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Implementing rigorous EIAs for planned activities in the high seas,ensuring potential environmental consequences are thoroughly evaluated before projects proceed. This is crucial for deep-sea mining, bioprospecting, and large-scale fishing operations.

* Benefit-Sharing: Establishing a fair and equitable system for sharing the benefits derived from marine genetic resources (MGRs) found in the high seas. This addresses concerns about biopiracy and ensures developing nations benefit from scientific discoveries.

* Capacity building & Technology Transfer: Providing support to developing nations to participate effectively in the treaty’s implementation, including access to technology and expertise for marine research and conservation.

Why 60 Ratifications Matter: Triggering Treaty Implementation

Reaching 60 ratifications isn’t merely a symbolic achievement. It activates the treaty, setting in motion a process of establishing institutions and mechanisms for its effective implementation.This includes:

1. conference of the Parties (COP): The establishment of a COP, the treaty’s governing body, responsible for overseeing its implementation and making key decisions.
2. Scientific and Technical Bodies: Creation of specialized bodies to provide scientific advice and technical expertise on issues related to marine biodiversity.
3. Implementation Timelines: Defining clear timelines and procedures for establishing MPAs, conducting EIAs, and implementing benefit-sharing mechanisms.

The Road to Ratification: Key Players and Challenges

The journey to 60 ratifications wasn’t without its hurdles. Negotiations spanned over 15 years, facing challenges related to differing national interests, concerns about economic impacts, and the complexities of international law.

* Early Adopters: Nations like Chile, Palau, and costa Rica were instrumental in championing the treaty and pushing for its adoption.

* EU Support: The European Union collectively ratified the treaty, representing a significant boost to the ratification process.

* Remaining Holdouts: while momentum is building, some nations remain hesitant, citing concerns about potential restrictions on their economic activities or the need for further clarification on certain provisions.

Benefits of a Protected High Seas

A robustly implemented BBNJ Treaty offers a multitude of benefits:

* biodiversity Conservation: Protecting vulnerable marine species and ecosystems from the impacts of overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction.

* Climate Change Mitigation: Healthy oceans play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, mitigating the effects of climate change. Protecting marine ecosystems enhances this capacity.

* Enduring Fisheries: Promoting sustainable fishing practices and preventing the collapse of fish stocks in the high seas.

* Scientific Advancement: Facilitating marine research and finding, leading to new insights into ocean processes and potential benefits for humanity.

* Economic Opportunities: Sustainable management of marine resources can create new economic opportunities in areas such as ecotourism and bioprospecting.

Real-World Examples: Areas primed for protection

Several areas are already being identified as potential candidates for MPA designation under the BBNJ Treaty:

* The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ): A vast area in the Pacific Ocean rich in polymetallic nodules, attracting interest for deep-sea mining. Establishing an MPA here would balance resource extraction with environmental protection.

* Seamounts: Underwater mountains that serve as hotspots for marine biodiversity. Protecting thes fragile ecosystems is crucial for maintaining healthy ocean food webs.

* Hydrothermal Vents: Unique ecosystems found near underwater volcanoes, supporting specialized communities of organisms. These areas are notably vulnerable to disturbance.

* The Sargasso Sea: A unique ecosystem in the Atlantic Ocean characterized by floating Sargassum seaweed,providing habitat for a diverse range of marine life.

The Future of Ocean Governance: Beyond Ratification

While 60 ratifications represent a major victory, the work doesn’t stop here. Effective implementation of the BBNJ Treaty requires:

* Continued Political Will: sustained commitment from nations to prioritize ocean conservation and allocate resources for treaty implementation.

* Robust Monitoring and Enforcement: Establishing effective mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the treaty’s provisions and enforcing regulations.

* International Collaboration: Fostering collaboration among nations, scientists, and stakeholders to address the complex challenges of ocean governance.

* Public Awareness: Raising public awareness about the importance of ocean conservation