Seychelles Advances High Seas Protection as BBNJ Treaty heads towards implementation

As of Monday, 29 September 2025, 74 countries have ratified the BBNJ Agreement, leaving 110 days until the treaty’s implementation. This surpasses the 60-state threshold required to trigger its entry into force, marking a decisive step for international ocean protection.

This release highlights the achievements of the Seychelles delegation, which participated in the second session of the Preparatory Commission (PrepCom II) for 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), held 18–29 August 2025. Having also taken part in the first session in April 2025, Seychelles has been engaged from the outset, demonstrating a strong and sustained commitment to global ocean governance.

During PrepCom II, Seychelles:

• Led negotiations on the Rules of Procedure for subsidiary bodies, ensuring transparent and inclusive governance.
• Guided deliberations on financial mechanisms, advocating for predictable, accessible funding to support capacity-building and technology transfer for small island developing states (SIDS) and other developing countries.
• Co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the BBNJ High Ambition Coalition (HAC), reinforcing its reputation as a global ocean champion committed to ambitious action for the protection of areas beyond national jurisdiction.

PrepCom II advanced key elements for operationalising the BBNJ Agreement, including:

• Establishing financial mechanisms and arrangements with the Global Environment Facility.
• Defining modalities for the Clearing-House Mechanism.
• Outlining arrangements for the functioning of the Secretariat.
• Strengthening cooperation with existing legal instruments, frameworks, and regional or sectoral bodies.

A historic milestone was reached on 19 September 2025, when the BBNJ Agreement secured the 60 ratifications required to trigger its entry into force. The treaty will formally take effect on 17 January 2026. This achievement enhances Seychelles’ ability to protect high-seas biodiversity, engage in scientific collaboration, and participate in benefit-sharing mechanisms under the Agreement.

Looking ahead, PrepCom III will convene from 23 March to 2 April 2026, where Seychelles will continue to play a proactive, leading role in shaping the operational framework of this landmark treaty.