UN High Seas Treaty Enters into Force to Protect International Ocean Biodiversity

The UN High Seas Treaty, formally the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), entered into force on January 17, 2026, after 60 countries ratified it. This treaty establishes a legal framework to protect biodiversity in international waters, covering nearly half of Earth's surface. It addresses threats like overfishing, pollution, climate change, and deep-sea mining through measures including marine protected areas and environmental assessments. India is a signatory but has yet to ratify the agreement.