A global call for the oceans: Leading the campaign for ratification of the High Seas Treaty
- Priya Sato
- Apr 27
- 4 min read
The High Seas Treaty, adopted in 2023 following over a decade of negotiations at the United Nations, marks a milestone in global ocean governance. Designed to safeguard marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions, the treaty has yet to enter into force, as only 21 of the required 60 ratifications have been completed. Spain, positioning itself as a key actor in environmental diplomacy, has urged over 150 countries to accelerate their accession to the agreement, aiming to meet the target before the next United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025, to be hosted in Nice, France.
A legal framework for the protection of half the planet
International waters areas beyond any nation’s jurisdiction cover nearly two-thirds of the global ocean surface and almost half of the Earth’s total surface area. Despite their ecological importance, these areas have long remained legally underprotected. The High Seas Treaty, officially known as the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), addresses this critical gap by establishing a comprehensive legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
Key provisions of the treaty include the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) on the high seas, mandatory environmental impact assessments for potentially harmful activities, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from marine genetic resources. These tools are vital to achieving the “30x30” global target protecting at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Spain and France at the forefront of international ocean diplomacy
In early 2024, Spain became the first EU Member State to ratify the treaty, joining a group of nations including Chile, Belize, Cuba, the Maldives, Micronesia, Palau, and Singapore. France followed shortly thereafter, reinforcing a Franco-Spanish alliance aimed at bolstering global political momentum.
Spain’s Minister for the Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera, has referred to the agreement as a “historic opportunity to close the legal gap in ocean protection.” Both countries are working closely with the European Union, the United Nations, and civil society organisations to encourage further ratifications. Spain also hosted technical workshops and diplomatic roundtables involving legal experts, marine scientists, and non-governmental actors to build capacity and political will across regions.
The role of civil society and NGO leadership
Several non-governmental organisations have played a central role in advocating for the treaty’s ratification and implementation. Greenpeace, the High Seas Alliance, and the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition have actively engaged with policymakers and the public, organising campaigns, publishing scientific assessments, and facilitating dialogues across continents.
Greenpeace International has called the treaty "the most significant ocean protection agreement in history." The High Seas Alliance, a coalition of over 50 NGOs and international scientific institutions, has launched a ratification tracker and mobilised global civil society in support of the agreement. According to the Alliance, only 21 countries had ratified the treaty as of April 2025, despite over 80 having signed it since its adoption at the United Nations.
Geopolitical hurdles and legal uncertainties
Despite growing support, significant challenges remain. Some major maritime powers have expressed reservations about elements of the treaty, particularly around access to marine genetic resources and concerns over sovereignty. There are fears that a possible return of anti-multilateralist leadership in the United States could delay ratification efforts.
Nonetheless, experts in international law, such as Rémi Parmentier of The Varda Group, argue that the treaty can succeed even without the immediate participation of major powers. They highlight that multilateral environmental agreements often begin with a critical mass of committed states, which later encourages wider participation.
Statistical context and ecological urgency
According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), over one million species are at risk of extinction, many of them marine. A 2023 report by the Global Ocean Commission noted that less than 1.5% of the high seas were under effective protection at the time of the treaty’s adoption. Meanwhile, global ocean temperatures and acidification levels continue to rise, with devastating consequences for coral reefs, fish stocks, and deep-sea ecosystems.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that human activities in the high seas contribute significantly to marine plastic pollution and the loss of critical habitats, such as seamounts and hydrothermal vents.
The High Seas Treaty is closely aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Most prominently, it supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water), but also contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By promoting equitable access to marine resources, the treaty also advances the principles of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Furthermore, the implementation of the treaty may foster the development of a sustainable “blue economy,” creating opportunities in scientific research, eco-tourism, and marine biotechnology while ensuring the protection of vulnerable marine environments.
With the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice fast approaching, the window for ratifying the High Seas Treaty remains narrow. Spain’s diplomatic initiative is a timely and urgent appeal to the global community to take concrete steps in defence of the planet’s shared ocean heritage. If successful, the treaty will represent not only a new legal pillar for marine protection but also a testament to international cooperation in the face of environmental crisis. The seas beyond borders can no longer remain beyond responsibility.
More information:
1. United Nations – Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS)
Official homepage:
Treaty information page (BBNJ process):
This is the main page for the BBNJ agreement, including background, negotiation summaries, press releases, and official documents.
2. High Seas Alliance
Website:
This NGO coalition plays a key advocacy and monitoring role. They provide updates on treaty ratifications, analysis, campaigns, and a live ratification tracker.
3. United Nations Treaty Collection (UNTC)
Treaty status and ratification records:
Once the treaty is formally deposited, this is where ratification, accession, and signature updates are published.
4. European Union – External Action Service
For EU support and alignment, the EEAS has resources and declarations supporting BBNJ: https://www.eeas.europa.eu
