A landmark United Nations biodiversity treaty aimed at safeguarding the world’s oceans has officially entered into force on January 17, 2026, marking a breakthrough in global marine conservation efforts. The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, the first legally binding treaty to protect aquatic life in international waters—which comprises over two-thirds of the ocean—was finalised after 15 years of negotiations and has now been ratified by more than 80 countries, surpassing the minimum required threshold.

Under the new treaty, nations must collaborate to establish marine protected areas, conduct environmental impact assessments on activities that affect ocean ecosystems, and share benefits from marine genetic resources tied to the emerging “blue economy.” Its central objective is to help achieve the global “30 by 2030” goal—protecting at least 30 percent of the world’s oceans by the end of the decade.

Environmental advocates welcome the move as a historic step forward for ocean health, though they stress universal ratification and strong implementation are essential to meet ambitious targets.