The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed the entry into force of 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). This binding global treaty, effective from 17 January 2026, aims to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity in ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction, with 145 signatories and 81 Parties. The Agreement addresses four core areas: marine genetic resources, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and capacity building and technology transfer.
The BBNJ Agreement emphasizes a cross-sectoral approach to govern human activities in these vast ocean areas, including fishing, shipping, mining, and research exploration. It also mandates the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from marine genetic resources, which are widely used in pharmaceuticals, food supplements, and cosmetics. FAO has highlighted its expertise, data, and technical systems as critical tools for helping Parties implement the treaty’s objectives.
Areas beyond national jurisdiction cover roughly two-thirds of the world’s oceans, representing a significant portion of global living space. Fisheries in these regions harvest around 11 million tonnes of aquatic animals annually, including tuna, bonitos, billfishes, and elasmobranchs. Regional fisheries management organizations already regulate much of this activity, setting science-based catch limits, monitoring systems, allocation rules, bycatch controls, and closures where necessary. FAO notes that these organizations, with decades of experience, will be crucial in applying the BBNJ Agreement effectively.
FAO’s contribution to the treaty’s implementation will focus heavily on data, leveraging its comprehensive information on production, trade, employment, fleet capacity, and consumption of aquatic resources. Tools such as the Fisheries and Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS) and regular stock assessments will support evidence-based management of the ABNJ. Capacity-building initiatives are equally important, and FAO has extensive experience in assisting countries to comply with international fisheries agreements, including measures against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Through programs like the Common Oceans Program, FAO has demonstrated practical global solutions for sustainable management of high seas resources, including the protection of vulnerable species like albatross and sharks. Its long-standing collaboration with approximately 50 regional fisheries bodies provides a ready network to support the BBNJ Agreement. FAO is already preparing countries and regional bodies for treaty implementation, offering technical guidance, data, and training to ensure effective conservation outcomes.
FAO emphasizes that marine biodiversity is foundational to sustainable fisheries and global food security. The BBNJ Agreement presents a major opportunity to enhance oceans governance, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and secure long-term benefits for ecosystems and communities worldwide.
