The entry into force of the Treaty coinciding with Greece’s commitment to advance the 30××30 target

The High Seas Treaty has officially entered into force after nearly two decades of negotiations; the agreement constitutes a legally binding framework to protect biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, which cover almost two-thirds of the world’s ocean.

The treaty, also known as the agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), was adopted in 2023 and finally entered into force on 17 January 2026 following the ratifications by 81 parties including the EU, and signed by 145 countries, including Greece. With the agreement, it will be possible to designate marine protected areas where sustainable management of natural resources, replication of knowledge for marine conservation and scientific cooperation are expected to be accomplished. With the aforementioned, the member states will be able to get closer to achieve the global commitment to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 under the Global Biodiversity Framework.

The timing of the treaty’s entry into…