Gabon Ratifies Landmark BBNJ Agreement, Bolstering Global Ocean Protection Efforts

Gabon Joins Growing Ranks of BBNJ Ratifiers

Gabon officially ratified 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 (BBNJ Agreement) on September 23, 2025. The ratification took place during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, marking a significant step for the Central African nation's commitment to marine conservation. Gabon's action makes it the 61st state to ratify the treaty, which recently surpassed the crucial threshold for its entry into force.

The BBNJ Agreement: A New Era for High Seas Governance

Often referred to as the 'High Seas Treaty,' the BBNJ Agreement is a legally binding international instrument designed to protect and sustainably manage marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, encompassing nearly two-thirds of the world's ocean. Adopted on June 19, 2023, after almost two decades of negotiations, the agreement addresses critical gaps in ocean governance. Its core pillars include the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs), conducting environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for activities in international waters, ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources (MGRs), and fostering capacity building and the transfer of marine technology to developing nations.

Path to Entry into Force Achieved

The BBNJ Agreement was opened for signature on September 20, 2023. For the treaty to become international law, it required ratification by 60 states. This critical milestone was achieved on September 19, 2025, when Morocco and Sierra Leone deposited their instruments of ratification, bringing the total to 60 and 61 respectively. Following this achievement, the agreement is set to officially enter into force on January 17, 2026, 120 days after the 60th ratification. Gabon's ratification just days after this threshold further solidifies global commitment to the treaty's objectives.

Gabon's Commitment to Ocean Health

President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, attending the 80th UN General Assembly, underscored Gabon's dedication to marine protection. He highlighted that Gabon currently boasts nine marine protected areas, reflecting a consistent national policy aimed at the sustainable management of its marine ecosystems. The legal counsel for the UN Secretary-General lauded Gabon's ratification as a 'strong commitment' and recognized the nation as a driving force in the fight for ocean preservation. This move aligns with broader international efforts to safeguard marine life from escalating threats such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing.