A “landmark agreement” on global ocean conservation has been signed at the United Nations in New York by Tánaiste Micheál Martin.

The Agreement on Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) marks “a significant milestone in international cooperation as the first dedicated global treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of the high seas”, the Department of Foreign Affairs says.

The high seas comprise two-thirds of oceans and half the planet's surface area, but fall outside the jurisdiction of any country.

“The agreement will provide for the creation of a global network of high seas marine protected areas (MPAs),” it says.

"The high seas comprise two thirds of oceans and half the planet's surface area, but fall outside the jurisdiction of any country"

Currently, it says that only 1% of the high seas are protected by MPAs, which is far short of what is envisaged by the “30 by 30” target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework agreed in December 2022.

On signing the BBNJ Agreement, the Tánaiste said: “Today, we mark a historic moment for the protection of our oceans”.

“Following years of negotiation, this landmark agreement shows the power of international cooperation,” he said.

It stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating a shared commitment to fulfilling the targets set out in the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals, preserving the oceans’ invaluable ecosystems and resources for future generations,”he said.

“Ireland has played an active and constructive role in negotiating this agreement. It has the potential to greatly enhance the protection of our global marine environment,” he added.

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) was adopted by consensus by an intergovernmental conference at the UN in New York on June 19th, 2023.

Ireland played an active role in the negotiations as part of the EU negotiating team, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The agreement opened for signature on September 20th, and is subject to ratification.

A total of 60 states must ratify the agreement for it to enter into force. Ireland is examining national measures necessary for ratification, including possible legislative measures, and intends to ratify “in early course”, the department said.

The BBNJ Agreement was developed to further implement the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

In addition to its provisions on marine protected areas, the agreement strengthens processes for environmental impact assessments for activities that may impact the marine environment, the department says.

It also sets out arrangements for capacity-building measures to assist developing countries in achieving the agreement's aims, and it contains provisions addressing benefit-sharing relating to marine genetic resources.

After more than a decade of negotiations, the countries of the United Nations have agreed the first-ever treaty to protect the world's oceans that lie outside national boundaries. The UN High Seas Treaty places 30% of the world's oceans into protected areas, puts more money into marine conservation and means new rules for mining at sea. This will help reverse biodiversity losses and ensure sustainable development.

As Afloat reported previously, the treaty was agreed at UN Headquarters in New York on the 4th March, 2023, where tough negotiations on the draft treaty have been underway for the past two weeks. The agreement reached by delegates of the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction is the culmination of UN-facilitated talks that began in 2004.

Dr Paul Connolly, CEO Marine Institute

In welcoming the Treaty, Dr Paul Connolly, CEO Marine Institute said: This is a historic agreement and finally offers a framework for governments to work together to protect our global ocean. Ensuring a sustainable future for our ocean is one of the great missions of the next decade. The ocean is our life source, supporting humanity and every other organism on Earth and is critical to our shared future. Put simply, without a healthy ocean, we will not have a healthy future. International cooperation is essential for developing the scientific research and innovative technologies needed to protect and preserve the ocean and all that it sustains.

In a statement from the UN, Secretary-General António Guterres said: The Treaty is crucial for addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. This agreement will counter the destructive trends facing ocean health, now and for generations to come. The statement issued by the UN also recognized the critical support of non-governmental organizations, civil society, academic institutions and the scientific community.

Noting that the BBNJ decision builds on the legacy of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Secretary-General commended all parties for their ambition, flexibility and perseverance and saluted Ambassador Rena Lee, of Singapore, for her leadership and dedication. “Ladies and gentlemen, the ship has reached the shore,” Ms. Lee said last night, announcing the agreement to an extended standing ovation in the meeting room.

Delegations will reconvene later to formally adopt the text.