The world´s first treaty to protect ocean life in international waters will enter into force on January 17, 2026, with legally binding rules for the sustainable use and management of marine resources on the high seas.

Formally known as the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea relating to the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), the treaty addresses:

• Marine genetic resources, including the fair and equitable sharing of benefits;
• Measures such as area-based management tools, including marine protected areas;
• Environmental impact assessments; and
• Capacity building and marine technology transfer.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez welcomed this milestone:

“The world has shown that countries can come together with a common vision and build a framework to manage the oceans sustainably, while ensuring that their benefits are shared equitably among all humanity. We must now continue to work together to implement these rules. IMO stands ready to support the implementation of BBNJ within the IMO´s area of competence.”

Maritime transport and protection of the marine environment on the high seas
Ships sailing the world´s oceans are subject to strict environmental, safety, and security standards, which apply throughout their journey.

The IMO has developed more than 50 globally binding treaties and other measures to support the sustainable use of the oceans by maritime transport, which are enforced through a well-established system of control by the flag State, the coastal State, and the port State.

Among the IMO instruments that actively contribute to the conservation of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction are the following

• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
• International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships´ Ballast Water and Sediments, which aims to prevent the transfer of potentially invasive aquatic species; and
• London Convention and Protocol, which regulates the disposal of waste at sea.

A new legally binding framework is currently being developed to address biofouling on ships and minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species.

In addition, the IMO has adopted numerous protective measures, such as the designation of Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSA), Special Areas, and Emission Control Areas where a high level of protection and stricter standards apply to prevent marine pollution. The IMO has also published guidelines to protect marine life from underwater noise from ships.

The BBNJ Agreement will enter into force following its adoption in June 2023, culminating decades of negotiations and preparatory work. More than 80 nations have ratified the Agreement to date.

News and image obtained: "Organización Marítima Internacional"

https://www.imo.org/es/mediacentre/pressbriefings/pages/imo-welcomes-entry-into-force-bbnj.aspx