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UN High Seas Treaty Comes Into force,Marking Milestone for Ocean Conservation

The landmark United Nations treaty to protect the high seas,officially known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty,has officially come into force as of February 2024,following its adoption in March 2023. This treaty establishes a ⁢framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction,⁢ covering nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans.As of January 17,2026,over 90 countries ⁤have ratified the treaty,demonstrating broad international support for its goals.

What is the ⁤BBNJ Treaty?

For decades, the vast expanse of the ⁢high seas – areas beyond the 200-nautical-mile exclusive ⁤economic zones of coastal nations – lacked a comprehensive⁢ legal⁢ framework for protection. The BBNJ treaty addresses this gap by providing a mechanism to