Today 17 th January 2026 marks a historic moment for the global ocean with 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 Treaty). As the first country in Africa and the fourth globally to ratify the BBNJ Treaty, Seychelles is proud to have played a leadership role in bringing this landmark agreement into force.
The BBNJ Treaty represents the most significant advancement in high seas governance, establishing a legally binding framework to conserve and sustainably manage marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, areas that cover nearly half of the Earth’s surface and are vital to climate regulation, food security, and the health of ocean ecosystems.
For a large ocean state like Seychelles, this Treaty is of direct national importance. While small in land area, Seychelles is defined by its vast ocean space. What happens beyond our national borders has a direct impact on our fisheries, migratory species, marine ecosystems, and the long-term viability of our blue economy.
For the people of Seychelles, the entry into force of the BBNJ Treaty represents greater security for livelihoods that depend on a healthy ocean, stronger safeguards for fish stocks, and new opportunities for marine scientific research, innovation, and capacity-building. The Treaty also opens pathways for enhanced access to technology, data, and international cooperation, ensuring that Seychellois scientists, institutions, and future generations can participate meaningfully in ocean research and governance.
Seychelles has consistently demonstrated global leadership in ocean protection. The BBNJ Treaty aligns closely with our national vision that the ocean must be governed cooperatively, based on science, equity, and fairness.
As the Treaty moves from entry into force to implementation, Seychelles stands ready to continue leading by example. The ocean is our heritage, our responsibility, and our future. With the BBNJ Treaty now in force, Seychelles reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the global ocean for present and future generations.
