Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty Enters into Force, Legally Binding 81 Ratifying Nations

Key facts

• The BBNJ Agreement, covering ocean zones beyond national waters, enters into force 120 days after ratification by at least 60 countries.
• The treaty area represents over two-thirds of the ocean’s surface and over 90 per cent of Earth’s habitat by volume.
• It is the first legally binding ocean instrument to provide for inclusive ocean governance, with provisions on the engagement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities and on gender balance.
• The Agreement becomes legally binding for the 81 nations that have ratified it so far.
• Major economies that have ratified include China, Germany, Japan, France and Brazil.
• The US signed in 2023 but has not ratified; India adopted in 2024 but ratification is pending; UK legislation introduced in 2025 but not yet ratified; Russia has neither adopted nor ratified.