New York: Europe and the Arabs
After nearly 20 years of work, an international agreement to protect marine life in international waters and the seabed is set to enter into force on Saturday (January 17), marking a major step forward in efforts to ensure the health of ocean ecosystems for decades to come.

The Convention on Marine Biological Diversity (CMD) covers ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the high seas and the international seabed.

These areas comprise more than two-thirds of the ocean surface and represent more than 90% of Earth's habitats by volume. This is due to the ocean's depth, as most of the living space on Earth is underwater.

Here are the key points to know about the agreement. According to the UN Daily News, which added an article titled "The Importance of the Agreement," the Convention on Marine Biological Diversity aims to transform the high seas and seabed into a sustainably managed environment for the benefit of all humanity.

It is also the first legally binding maritime instrument to provide for comprehensive ocean governance, with provisions on the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and gender equality.

It is hoped that, once fully implemented, this agreement will play a vital role in addressing the so-called “planetary triple crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Speaking to UN News, Tanzanian diplomat Mze Ali Haji, who led his country’s negotiating team during the discussions on the agreement, said it represents a significant step forward in protecting international waters.

He added: “Everyone should bear in mind that there is now oversight of activities on the high seas. For example, if you cause pollution, you will be held accountable for your actions.” The agreement strengthens the existing international legal framework. It is based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), considered the "constitution of the ocean," which has set the rules for the exploitation of the seas and their seabed and the protection of the marine environment since it entered into force in 1994. The agreement addresses gaps in the parent convention, provides more details on how to manage biodiversity, and aligns ocean governance with modern challenges such as climate change and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

What does the agreement mean when it enters into force?

Once it enters into force, the agreement becomes legally binding on the 81 countries that have ratified it so far, meaning they agree to incorporate it into their national legislation.

The agreement stipulates that it will enter into force on Saturday, January 17, 120 days after ratification by at least 60 countries.

Who has signed the agreement and who hasn't?

Several major economies have ratified the agreement, including China, Germany, Japan, France, and Brazil. China has a particular influence on ocean-related industries (such as shipbuilding, aquaculture, fisheries, and offshore oil and gas), exporting $155 billion worth of ocean-related goods in 2023.

Countries that have not ratified the agreement include the United States, India, the United Kingdom, and Russia.

The United States, the world’s largest economy, is among the top five exporters of ocean-related goods ($61 billion). Although the country adopted the agreement in 2023, it has not yet ratified it, and the Senate has not taken any action on it.

India, one of the largest developing exporters ($19 billion), adopted the agreement in 2024, but domestic legislation related to ratification is still pending. The United Kingdom introduced legislation on the matter in 2025, but Parliament has not yet ratified it.

Russia remains among the minority of countries that have neither adopted nor ratified the agreement, expressing its desire to maintain existing governance frameworks and ensure freedom of navigation and shipping in international waters. Is this a setback for the agreement?

Despite the reluctance of some major economies to fully commit to ratification, Tanzanian diplomat Mze Ali Haji is optimistic about the impact the agreement will have in its current state.

He added: “Developing countries and small island developing states need support. We expect them to accept the agreement in the future because it will help them. Protecting the high seas is a responsibility we all share.”

What’s next?

The door remains open for more countries to ratify the agreement, which will increase its effectiveness.

The Tanzanian diplomat said: “When negotiating any agreement, it’s impossible to get all countries to agree or accept it at once. Some countries are content to observe initially, then join when they see the benefits. I think other countries will join in the future.”

Beyond global participation, the key to the success of the Convention on Extraterritorial Marine Biological Diversity lies in enforcement—that is, taking action against those who violate the rules. According to the text of the agreement, the first meeting to monitor progress on these two fronts will be held no later than one year after the agreement comes into effect.