PH poised to lead in global ocean conservation with new High Seas Treaty

The Philippines is gaining renewed focus as the international community gears up for the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, on June 9, 2025.Central to this discussion is the United Nations’ Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, commonly known as the High Seas Treaty. Adopted in June 2023 after over two decades of negotiations, this treaty marks a pivotal moment in global efforts to protect marine life in the vast, ecologically vulnerable regions of the ocean that lie beyond national jurisdiction, covering nearly two-thirds of the world’s ocean surface.**media[17363]**In support of the treaty, the High Seas Alliance and Oceana held a legislative forum on May 28 at the Conrad Hotel to emphasize the urgency of ratification. They are advocating for the Philippine Senate to approve the necessary concurrence for the country to ratify the treaty officially.The BBNJ Agreement is the first legally binding international accord dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in the high seas. Historically, these areas have suffered from fragmented management and a lack of coordinated regulations, making them susceptible to overexploitation, pollution, and the escalating threats posed by climate change.The treaty aims to tackle these issues by establishing a framework for creating marine protected areas, conducting environmental impact assessments, and ensuring fair sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources.For the Philippines, a nation renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, the treaty offers numerous avenues for engagement and benefits. The mechanisms for scientific research, data access, and participation in global knowledge repositories are especially advantageous.French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel emphasized, "In Nice, we look at obtaining 60 ratifications. There is room for optimism in the next two weeks. The Philippines’ ratification is of utmost importance and the country’s diplomatic agenda as a champion of international law is very aligned and coherent with the BBNJ.”The treaty’s provisions regarding marine genetic resources are particularly pertinent for the Philippines, recognized as one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries. These provisions ensure that monetary and non-monetary benefits, such as access to samples and enhanced scientific cooperation, are shared equitably. A notification system and digital tracking are in place to promote transparency and accountability in the use of these resources.Importantly, the treaty also stresses the necessity of capacity building and technology transfer, which are crucial for developing nations. For the Philippines, this means improved access to technical support, training, and tools necessary for marine science and monitoring compliance. Such resources will assist in implementing and managing high-seas marine protected areas, ultimately benefiting from the healthy ocean ecosystems that provide essential services, such as climate regulation, food security, and livelihood support.The Philippines’ active participation in the treaty’s implementation is vital to ensure that the perspectives of the archipelagic nation are reflected in the decision-making processes both before and during the first Conference of Parties. The country's strong involvement in prior negotiations has already established it as a leader in high seas advocacy, and continued engagement is expected to play a crucial role in the future of global ocean governance.Rizza Sacra-Dejucos, Asia Regional coordinator for the High Seas Alliance, stressed the significance of the treaty for both the Philippines and the region. “By ratifying the treaty, the Philippines will reaffirm its leadership in marine conservation, strengthen regional cooperation, and gain access to new scientific, technological, and financial resources. This will ensure that the Philippines has a voice in shaping the future of global ocean governance, impacting the generations to come,” Sacra-Dejucos said.With 115 signatories and 22 ratifications to date, the treaty is progressing toward the 60 ratifications required for entry into force. Achieving this milestone is critical, as it would trigger the formal implementation of the BBNJ Treaty, enabling participating countries to propose, adopt, and implement marine protected areas in the high seas. This progress is essential for safeguarding our oceans and the myriad lifeforms they support.