Synergies between the Convention on Biological Diversity and the High Seas Treaty
Find out more about the synergies between the CBD, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), and the High Seas Treaty. Read our briefing and position paper on the importance of seamless coordination and complementarity between the two agreements to accelerate the effective protection of the global ocean’s biodiversity.
This new briefing paper explains the opportunities that the High Seas Treaty represents for Africa and the key role that African countries play in the success of the Treaty and the sustainable use of ocean resources.
Continue reading Briefing: What Does the High Seas Treaty Mean for Africa?
Find out more about the synergies between the High Seas Treaty and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on Capacity building and the transfer of marine technology in this fascinating new briefing paper, published by Post-2020 and co-authored by Nathalie Rey and Daniel Kachelriess of the High Seas Alliance along with Julia Schütz-Veiga of the NOVA IPSI Knowledge Centre/The Nippon Foundation Ocean Voices Programme.
Continue reading Briefing: Biodiversity Plan and BBNJ Agreement
As the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) convenes in Antigua and Barbuda on 27-30 May 2024, this briefing explores how the High Seas Treaty can help SIDS address priority issues in their next 10-year Plan of Action toward “Resilient Prosperity”.
Continue reading Briefing: The High Seas Treaty and Small Island Developing States
High Seas Alliance Recommendations for the Organizational Meeting of the BBNJ Preparatory Commission
Prompt operationalization and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement is essential to address the alarming decline in ocean health and resilience.
UNFCCC COP28 and the Global Stocktake are critical moments to boost ocean-climate ambition for the High Seas, and to chart a better course for our ocean, our climate and our future.
Continue reading How the new High Seas Treaty Contributes to Climate Action
On 19 June 2023, the international community adopted the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty). The Agreement opened for State signature on 20 September 2023 and will remain open for signature for two years. It will enter into force 120 days after 60 State ratifications. Until then, signatories are obliged to refrain from acts which would defeat the object and purpose of the Agreement.
The Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) will enter into force 120 days after it has been ratified by 60 UN member States. Prior to its entry into force, a country or a regional economic integration organization may provide its consent to provisionally apply (“provisional application”) the provisions of the Agreement.
Continue reading The Provisional Application of the BBNJ Agreement
Preparatory Commissions (PrepComs) are often established after an international Agreement has been signed to prepare for its entry into force.
During the BBNJ IGC-5 resumed session in March 2023, the High Seas Treaty Agreement was finalized but not adopted, pending a review to ensure uniform usage of terminology and translation to the six official UN languages.
Continue reading Frequently Asked Questions About the Conclusion of BBNJ Agreement and Next Steps
