Treaty on marine biological diversity
The BBNJ establishes a robust legal framework for all activities in the ocean and seas: regulates human activities on the high seas, allows their protection through the designation of Protected marine areas and establishes a mechanism to share the benefits derived from the exploitation of marine genetic resources. It is a normative development of the environmental aspects provided for in the United Nations Agreement on Sea Law (UNClos).
Concretely, In this framework, the commitment to declare a protected area of 30% of the high seas surface before 2030 is assumed. The treaty, therefore, will play a crucial role in achieving the global objective 30 × 30 agreed during the World Biodiversity framework of Kunming-Montreal.
For the entry into force of the treaty, its ratification by at least 60 countries is necessary. Once that number is reached, they have to spend 120 days. Chile, who chooses to house the headquarters of Treaty on marine biological diversityit was the first country to ratify. He did it a year ago, on February 20, 2024.
According to the United Nations Registry, in addition to Spain, 15 countries have already ratified: Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Chile, Cuba, Maldives, Mauricio, Micronesia, Monaco, Palau, Panama, Seychelles, Singapore, St. Lucia, Timor- Leste.