The BBNJ Agreement, adopted on 19 June 2023, ensures the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
In 1982, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) – known as the “Constitution of the Ocean” – was adopted to bring a new regime of law and order in the world’s oceans.
To ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, 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 on 19 June 2023.
The Agreement is open for signature by all States and regional economic integration organisations from 20 September 2023 to 20 September 2025, and will enter into force 120 days after the sixtieth instrument of ratification, approval, acceptance or accession.
The Centre is leading research focused on legal and governance elements to support the establishment of the BBNJ. This includes serving as the Secretariat to the BBNJ Expert Advisory Group.
The Centre also provides legal and technical advice to Pacific on ratification of the BBNJ Agreement through the Pacific BBNJ Coordination Group of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS).