The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is set to support the implementation of a landmark United Nations (UN) treaty aimed at conserving and sustainably using marine biological diversity in waters beyond national jurisdiction. The agreement will come into force in January 2026, after reaching the required number of ratifications last Friday.
Known as 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), it establishes a global framework for the conservation and management of marine biodiversity in ocean areas that fall outside countries' exclusive economic zones.
The Treaty builds on and strengthens existing regulations, emphasizing cooperation and calling for stronger coordination across sectors to improve ocean governance and conserve marine ecosystems in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
FAO key to treaty's implementation
FAO has contributed to the development of the Agreement, notably through its leadership in the Common Oceans Program - a multi-stakeholder partnership in close collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - among other initiatives. FAO will continue to support its Members as they move to implement it. With its technical expertise, global systems for data collection and validation, and strong partnerships, FAO will work closely with its Members and the existing network of Regional Fisheries Bodies, including regional fishery management organizations (RFMOs), involved in the science, management and governance of activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction within their mandates. This collaboration aims to ensure that biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries can go hand in hand.
"Healthy and biodiverse ecosystems are the foundation of sustainable fisheries. The BBNJ Agreement will help ensure biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction can continue to support sustainable fisheries protect the food security, nutrition and livelihoods of billions of people," said Manuel Barange, FAO's Assistant Director-General and Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
