Ireland announces approval of ratification of the BBNJ Agreement – a landmark treaty to protect global oceans
- Published on: 17 September 2025
- Last updated on: 27 September 2025
The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien, have today announced the government’s decision to ratify the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity beyond National Jurisdiction, known as the BBNJ Agreement.
The BBNJ Agreement is the first dedicated global treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of the High Seas and the deep seabed. The High Seas comprise two thirds of oceans and half the surface area of the planet, but fall outside the jurisdiction of any country.
Welcoming the planned ratification of the Agreement, the Tánaiste said:
“This historic Agreement reinforces the multilateral system and is a major victory for international ocean governance and the protection of the marine environment. Ireland is fully committed to working alongside our international partners to realise the Agreement’s full potential.”
The Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien said:
“Our oceans and marine environment, now more than ever, face growing threats from the impacts of pollution, climate change, and human activities. This landmark Agreement provides the global community with a strong framework to protect and restore marine biodiversity and achieve globally agreed commitments.”
Notes
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) was adopted by consensus by an intergovernmental conference at the UN in New York on 19 June 2023. Following government and Dáil approval this week it is planned to arrange for deposit of Ireland’s instrument of ratification with the Secretary-General of the UN in New York during High Level Week next week.
Ireland played an active role in the negotiations as part of the EU negotiating team, and was one of the first countries to sign the agreement on 20 September 2023. Ireland has also been actively engaged in the Preparatory Commission that is preparing for the entry into force of the Agreement.
The BBNJ Agreement was developed to further implement the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Agreement marks the culmination of a process, which began in 2004, to develop a new treaty to address marine conservation in the High Seas and deep seabed in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The Agreement will provide for the creation of a global network of High Seas marine protected areas (MPAs). Presently only 1% of the High Seas are protected by MPAs, far short of what is envisaged by the globally agreed “30 by 30” target. In addition to its provisions on MPAs, the Agreement strengthens processes for environmental impact assessments for activities that may impact the marine environment. Further, it sets out arrangements for capacity building measures to assist developing countries in achieving the aims of the Agreement. The Agreement also contains provisions addressing benefit-sharing relating to marine genetic resources.
The BBNJ Agreement opened for signature on 20 September 2023. Signature of the Agreement is subject to ratification, and 60 states must ratify the agreement for it to enter into force. The Agreement currently has 143 signatories and 57 ratifications. It is expected that additional ratifications, including Ireland’s, during UN High Level Week will bring the total number of ratifications to over 60. The Agreement will enter into force 120 days after the 60th ratification.