Governments have just wrapped up two weeks of discussions in New York at the second Preparatory Commission (PrepCom 2) for the BBNJ Agreement. With the Agreement expected to enter into force as early as January 2026, the focus of this PrepCom was on preparing the institutions, rules, and processes that will be essential for implementation from day one.
A blog by Arianna Beeray, High Seas Youth Ambassador, on a recent BBNJ Workshop held in Trinidad and Tobago.
When we think about ocean conservation and governance, many people imagine marine biologists and government officials. Rarely do we imagine young people, especially those outside the marine sphere, engaging meaningfully in conversations about High Seas conservation. This is the reality I work towards challenging every day.
Continue reading We are not the Spectators, We are the Players
For Caribbean countries, such as Trinidad and Tobago, which heavily rely on healthy marine ecosystems for food security, climate resilience, and economic development, the BBNJ Agreement presents an opportunity to influence global marine governance and secure the sustainable use of ocean resources.
On July 17 we’ll be hosting a workshop and screening of the film OCEAN with David Attenborough to explore what the historic High Seas Treaty means for ocean health, equity, and opportunity in the Caribbean. It’s a chance to connect with ocean advocates, policymakers, and champions of the High Seas.
Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Venue: Radisson Hotel, Port of Spain
Interested in attending? Please email info@highseasalliance.org to request an invitation.
This screening is made possible with support of the Minderoo Foundation, and co-organized with our partner Institute of Marine Affairs.
OCEAN with David Attenborough is a Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios co-production, in association with All3Media International, National Geographic, and Minderoo Pictures.
Morning Program (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
Opening Segment
Moderator: Ryan Bachoo, Climate Journalist and Author
● Rebecca Hubbard, Director High Seas Alliance
● Leneka Scott, Caribbean Regional Coordinator High Seas Alliance
● Dr. Ava Maxam, Director, Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA)
● Melanie Andrews-Bacchus, Senior Technical Officer, Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI)
● Hon. Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development ● Senator Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
● Dr. Diva Joan Amon, Marine Biologist/ Regional BBNJ Expert (Trinidad)
Technical Panel: Legal and Institutional Pathways to Ratification
Theme: Critical Considerations for Trinidad and Tobago and BBNJ Agreement
Panelists:
● Kishan Kumarsingh, Head, Multilateral Environmental Agreements Unit
● Professor Judith Gobin, Marine Biologist, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine
● Professor David Berry, Professor of International Law, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill
● Kahlil Hassanali, Senior Research Officer, Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) (video presentation)
Youth Ambassador closing remarks
● Arianna Beeray, High Seas Youth Ambassador
Break (12:00 PM – 12:30 PM)
Film Screening (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
“OCEAN” with David Attenborough
A blog by Ailars David, Hub Leader and founder, Sustainable Ocean Alliance Tanzania
The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), held from 9th to 13th June 2025 in Nice, France, marked a historic moment in global ocean governance. The conference became the stage where the international community celebrated reaching 50 ratifications of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, commonly referred to as the High Seas Treaty. This milestone moved the Treaty significantly closer to its official entry into force reaching 50 ratifications and reinforcing global commitment to protecting marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Continue reading Youth Involvement in the BBNJ: Reflections from UNOC 3 and the Road Ahead
Nice, 13 June 2025. The 3rd UN Ocean Conference is ending today with a historic step towards ensuring greater High Seas protection. With 19 additional countries depositing their ratifications, the total number of that count toward the High Seas Treaty’s entry into force has now reached 50. Only 10 more are needed to cross the critical 60-country threshold that would trigger the Treaty’s coming into effect.
Read about some of the highlights from the High Seas Alliance at the third United Ocean Conference in Nice, France:
As the world prepares to gather in Nice, France, for the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), momentum for ocean protection has never been stronger. In just two years since its adoption at the United Nations, the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) could be nearing a historic milestone.
New York, 28 May 2025, The High Seas Alliance congratulates the European Union (EU) and 6 EU member states that have deposited their instruments of ratification at the United Nations headquarters in New York today. This coordinated move brings the official number of High Seas Treaty ratifications to 28.
As momentum builds for the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, the High Seas Alliance and partners are preparing for a major moment in the global effort to protect our ocean.
Continue reading High Seas Alliance at UNOC3: Celebrating Action
