South Africa has joined a growing coalition of nations committed to protecting marine biodiversity beyond national borders by signing the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement—often referred to as the “High Seas Treaty.”
The signing took place during the third United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC3), held in Nice, France, and co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. Speaking at the event, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, affirmed the country’s active role in shaping the landmark treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“This marks a pivotal step in strengthening the rule of law in ocean governance,” Dr George noted, emphasising the importance of international cooperation to preserve marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
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The BBNJ Agreement introduces a long-overdue global framework for conserving biodiversity on the high seas—areas that constitute nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans but remain largely unregulated. Key provisions include area-based management tools, mandatory environmental impact assessments, equitable access to marine genetic resources, and mechanisms for capacity building in developing nations.
Dr George also called on UN Member States to swiftly ratify the agreement, underlining the urgency of collective action to protect marine ecosystems for future generations.
For South Africa, the treaty complements existing marine conservation strategies and aligns with its broader sustainable development agenda. By endorsing the BBNJ, the country reinforces its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14: ‘Life Below Water’.
The agreement is widely hailed as a crucial milestone in global ocean governance, offering both ecological safeguards and economic opportunities for nations seeking a sustainable blue economy.
