FAQ | BBNJ Agreement Enters into Force: What It Means and How FAO Will Contribute
19 January 2026, Rome: The entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement on 17 January 2026 marks a major milestone in global ocean governance, bringing long-awaited legal clarity to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
With oceans beyond national borders covering nearly two-thirds of the planet, the treaty aims to address critical governance gaps by strengthening international cooperation, ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources, and integrating science-based management across sectors. As countries move toward implementation, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is positioned as a key partner, drawing on its decades of experience in fisheries governance, data systems and capacity building to support the Agreement’s objectives.
What is the BBNJ Agreement?
The BBNJ Agreement is 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. It is a legally binding global treaty focused on conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction.
When did the BBNJ Agreement come into force?
The Agreement came into force on 17 January 2026, following nearly two decades of negotiations.
How many countries are part of the BBNJ Agreement?
As of its entry into force, the BBNJ Agreement has 145 signatories and 81 Parties.
Why is the BBNJ Agreement significant?
The Agreement addresses long-standing gaps in the governance of areas beyond national jurisdiction, which cover nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans. It aims to ensure that biodiversity in these areas is conserved and used sustainably.
What are the main areas covered under the BBNJ Agreement?
The Agreement focuses on four main issues:
- Marine genetic resources
- Area-based management tools
- Environmental impact assessments
- Capacity building and technology transfer
What are areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ)?
ABNJ are ocean areas that lie outside the jurisdiction of any single country. They account for roughly two-thirds of the world’s oceans and represent close to a majority of the planet’s total living space.
What human activities take place in ABNJ?
Human activities in ABNJ include fishing, shipping, mining and research exploration. These activities are currently managed through existing sectoral and regional arrangements, though some geographical and governance gaps remain.
How does the BBNJ Agreement address marine genetic resources?
The Agreement stipulates that benefits derived from marine genetic resources—often used in pharmaceuticals, food supplements and cosmetics—must be shared fairly and equitably.
How much fishing takes place in ABNJ?
Approximately 11 million tonnes of aquatic animals are caught each year in ABNJ, mainly tunas, bonitos, billfishes and elasmobranchs from the epipelagic zone.
Who currently manages fisheries in ABNJ?
Fishing in many ABNJ is regulated by regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), which set binding rules such as monitoring systems, science-based catch limits, bycatch rules and area closures when necessary.
Why are regional fisheries management organizations important for the BBNJ Agreement?
RFMOs have decades of experience in managing and conserving marine biodiversity. Their expertise in capacity development, science-based management, data collection and monitoring will be critical to the success of the BBNJ Agreement.
What role will FAO play in implementing the BBNJ Agreement?
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will support parties and institutions with its technical expertise, data systems, governance experience and capacity-building programmes relevant to areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Why is FAO considered a key partner for the BBNJ Agreement?
FAO has extensive experience in fisheries governance, marine biodiversity conservation, and the management of genetic resources. It also works closely with regional fisheries bodies and supports countries in implementing international fisheries agreements.
What FAO data systems are relevant to the BBNJ Agreement?
FAO’s fisheries data on production, trade, employment, fleet capacity and consumption of aquatic resources, along with its regular assessments of marine fishery resources and the Fisheries and Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS), are particularly valuable for the Agreement.
How does FAO support capacity building?
FAO has long assisted countries in implementing and complying with international agreements, including the Agreement on Port State Measures to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing. It also supports the use of tools such as the Guidelines on Transshipment and the Global Record of Fishing Vessels, which are applicable in ABNJ.
What is the Common Oceans Program?
The Common Oceans Program, funded by the Global Environment Facility, is a FAO-led initiative that promotes global and cross-sectoral collaboration to support effective and sustainable management of ABNJ, with demonstrated success for tuna stocks and vulnerable species such as albatrosses and sharks.
Is FAO already supporting BBNJ implementation?
Yes. FAO is already supporting countries and regional fishery bodies in preparing for the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, even as operational details of the treaty continue to be developed.
Why is marine biodiversity important for global food security?
Marine biodiversity underpins sustainable fisheries, which are essential for global food security and livelihoods dependent on ocean resources.
What opportunity does the BBNJ Agreement present?
The BBNJ Agreement offers a unique opportunity to strengthen global oceans governance and improve outcomes for marine biodiversity, sustainable fisheries and human use of ocean resources worldwide.
Also Read: Beyond the Grain: How Rice-Field Ponds are Forging Climate Resilient Livelihoods in Cambodia
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