As the 3rd UN Ocean Conference concludes in Nice, the world edges closer to a major leap in ocean governance. With 19 new ratifications deposited during the conference, the number of countries formally endorsing the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) has reached 50. Only 10 more ratifications are needed to trigger its entry into force — a decisive moment for protecting biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
🟦 Lebanon among new signatories — now must ratify
Lebanon was among 20 countries that signed the Treaty during the Conference, signaling intent to ratify. This symbolic act now needs to be matched with concrete political will and swift parliamentary ratification.
🔊 We join the global call on the Lebanese Government — the Cabinet and Parliament — to urgently ratify the High Seas Treaty and help bring it over the threshold of 60. As a coastal nation and Eastern Mediterranean guardian, Lebanon’s ratification would not only uphold its commitment to ocean sustainability and climate resilience, but also amplify its role in regional and global marine diplomacy.
“The journey towards a high seas treaty has been nearly as long as the great migrations of whales, sharks and turtles,” said Matthew Collis, Senior Director of Policy at IFAW.
“The wave of new ratifications shows we are in the final stretch.”
🌐 Global momentum
In total, 136 countries have now signed the Treaty — a powerful testament to growing global consensus. The European Union, although not counted among the 60 required ratifications, deposited its instrument on 28 May. Meanwhile, additional support came from private foundations and intergovernmental pledges, including:
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€10M from the EU’s Global Ocean Programme to support ratification/implementation in developing countries;
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$6.5M from the Minderoo Foundation;
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The launch of a Preparatory Commission process to define implementation rules and institutions.
🌍 Sites spotlighted for early protection
As part of the implementation momentum, several areas were profiled for potential High Seas Marine Protected Areas, such as:
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The Costa Rica Thermal Dome
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Nazca and Salas y Gomez Ridges
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South Tasman Sea
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West Indian Ocean Sub-Antarctic zone
🗣️ Voices from the High Seas Alliance emphasized urgency:
“We must keep our foot on the #RaceForRatification accelerator,” said Rebecca Hubbard, Director of the High Seas Alliance.
“The Treaty’s power lies in the number of countries that join.”
🇱🇧 Why Lebanon’s Ratification Matters
Lebanon’s strategic Mediterranean coastline, its aspirations for environmental leadership, and its vulnerability to marine pollution all make its ratification a moral and ecological imperative. By ratifying the Treaty, Lebanon would:
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Contribute to protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 (30×30 goal);
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Gain access to technical assistance and funding for ocean governance;
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Enhance its credibility on the international environmental stage, especially ahead of the UN General Assembly in September and COPs to come.
🐬 “Protecting and sustainably managing the High Seas – 50% of the planet – cannot come soon enough,” said Ernesto Fernández Monge, Oceans North.
🐟 “We urge all nations to ‘seas the day’ and ratify the High Seas Treaty now. Lebanon can and must be part of the first 60,” added Bill Mott, Executive Director of The Ocean Project.
📣 Call to Action
We urge the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and Members of Parliament to:
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Fast-track the ratification process through legislative procedures;
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Integrate the Treaty into Lebanon’s marine conservation strategies, particularly within frameworks like Hima marine reserves, SPNL efforts, and the Lebanon Marine Biodiversity Network;
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Ensure inclusive engagement of civil society, Indigenous knowledge holders, youth, and scientists in treaty implementation.
📌 Background
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Official name: 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).
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Treaty enters into force 120 days after the 60th ratification.
🌐 Track progress and ratification updates:
➡️ UN Treaty Tracker…
➡️ High Seas Alliance Ratification Tracker
📢 Lebanon signed. Now it must lead. Let’s ratify the High Seas Treaty — for the ocean, for the planet, for future generations. 🌊🇱🇧
