Overview
- Taking effect on January 17, the BBNJ/Global Ocean Treaty creates the first binding framework to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction covering much of the world’s oceans.
- The agreement enables high‑seas marine protected areas decided by vote, mandates environmental‑impact assessments for new or unregulated activities, and sets benefit‑sharing rules for marine genetic resources and digital sequence information.
- More than 80 countries have ratified the pact out of roughly 145 signatories, while several influential states have not completed ratification.
- Germany’s Bundestag held a first debate on January 15 on implementing bills, including a Hochseeschutzgesetz, and sent them to committees to establish national procedures and authorities.
- Experts warn that monitoring, sanctions and financing remain weak points, with the first conference of parties expected between mid‑2026 and early 2027 to propose concrete protected areas and operational rules.