Australia formally ratifies landmark High Seas Biodiversity Treaty

Image: Frank McKenna/Unsplash

Australia has officially ratified the UN High Seas Biodiversity Treaty (BBNJ), strengthening global marine conservation efforts for international waters.

The instrument of ratification was deposited during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York. The move allows Australia to participate directly in international decisions over areas beyond national maritime borders.

The ratification follows enabling domestic legislation passed by the Australian Parliament earlier this year. Australia was among the original signers of the treaty in 2023.

Key Details & Impact

• Global Decision-Making Power: Australia can now participate in setting up high seas Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), conducting environmental impact assessments, and managing shared marine resources.

• 30×30 Target Alignment: Joining over 90 treaty members, Australia will collaborate with regional neighbours to draft the first generation of high seas MPA proposals, supporting the global goal to conserve 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.

• Domestic Benchmarks: Australia currently manages representative marine protected areas covering 52% of its domestic waters, with ongoing efforts to lift highly protected zones to at least 30% by 2030.

• Sustainable Ocean Plan: The ratification coincides with the release of Australia’s first Sustainable Ocean Plan, designed to guide national stewardship and support the country’s $229 billion ocean economy.

Government officials highlighted that protecting the high seas directly benefits local ecosystems, coastal security, and marine industries like tourism and fisheries.

NAN 01-10-26

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