Preparatory Commission for the BBNJ Treaty Holds Inaugural Session at UN Headquarters

The international community has embarked on a significant journey towards safeguarding the world’s oceans, culminating in the adoption of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. This landmark agreement, adopted on June 19, 2023, aims to conserve and sustainably use the rich marine biodiversity found in areas beyond national jurisdiction, commonly referred to as the high seas. These vast expanses of ocean, lying outside the control of any single nation, represent a crucial global commons, teeming with life and playing a vital role in the planet’s overall health. The BBNJ Agreement represents a concerted effort to establish a legal framework for the responsible management of these shared resources, ensuring their preservation for current and future generations.

The journey towards the Agreement’s implementation took a crucial step forward with the First Session of the Preparatory Commission, convened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from April 14-25, 2025. This session served as a pivotal platform for member states to discuss and strategize on the practicalities of bringing the Agreement into force. The Commission’s primary task is to lay the groundwork for the Agreement’s operationalization, including the establishment of the Conference of the Parties (COP), the governing body that will oversee the Agreement’s implementation. This preparatory phase is critical for ensuring the Agreement’s effectiveness and long-term success in protecting the high seas.

St. Kitts and Nevis, a small island developing state with a deep connection to the ocean, demonstrated its commitment to marine conservation through active participation in these deliberations. Represented by a delegation of experienced diplomats and marine resource experts, the nation underscored its recognition of the importance of the BBNJ Agreement for the sustainable management of ocean resources. This commitment aligns with the nation’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and its reliance on healthy oceans for economic and environmental well-being.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) played a prominent role in the BBNJ process, reflecting the shared interests and concerns of its member states regarding the sustainable use of marine resources. CARICOM’s collective engagement, mandated by the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) in 2016, ensured a unified regional voice in the negotiations. A regional preparatory workshop held in Miami prior to the Preparatory Commission session further strengthened CARICOM’s coordination and strategy, ensuring its members were well-prepared to engage effectively in the discussions.

The BBNJ Agreement addresses several key areas critical for the sustainable management of high seas biodiversity. It establishes a framework for area-based management tools, including marine protected areas, to conserve vulnerable ecosystems and species. The Agreement also addresses the sharing of benefits derived from marine genetic resources, recognizing the potential for scientific discovery and commercial applications. Furthermore, it promotes capacity building and the transfer of marine technology to developing states, enabling them to participate fully in the sustainable use of marine resources.

The BBNJ Agreement, open for signature until September 20, 2025, will enter into force 120 days after the deposit of the sixteenth instrument of ratification, acceptance, or accession. St. Kitts and Nevis, among other nations, is actively preparing for ratification, signaling its commitment to the Agreement’s objectives and its willingness to be bound by its provisions. The successful implementation of the BBNJ Agreement holds immense promise for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, ensuring the health of our oceans and the well-being of future generations. The collaborative efforts of nations like St. Kitts and Nevis, along with regional organizations like CARICOM, underscore the global commitment to protecting this vital global commons.