Op-Ed by Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau, President of Palau
The ocean is in our blood. Nearly 99 percent of my country’s territory is made up of its vast waters. From the rich tuna fisheries that sustain our economies to the coral reefs that shield our coastlines, the ocean defines our identity. Yet the threats it faces, including illegal fishing, potential deep sea mining, and climate change, know no borders. What happens beyond our waters is just as critical as what happens within them. As it stands, without collective action, marine biodiversity will suffer irreparable harm.
It has been almost two years since the world recognised that we need to do better in managing the almost two thirds of the ocean and nearly half the planet’s surface, that lies outside of national jurisdictions. The Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, signed by over 100 countries, offers a blueprint on how the world can work collectively to address gaps in the system. This legally binding Agreement offers hope—but only if all countries push for swift ratification and effective implementation.
Palau was the first country to ratify the agreement, and I am proud of the role we are playing in leading by example. We do so because the Pacific Small Island Developing States, or as we prefer to call ourselves Big Ocean States, have both deep knowledge and immense responsibility when it comes to the ocean that surrounds us. Small island states oversee marine areas that are often dozens of times larger than their landmass, making them pivotal in managing vast ocean expanses. We must ensure that our unique perspectives, traditional knowledge, and special circumstances are fully incorporated into policies that impact the high seas and marine biodiversity.
We know what happens outside our borders has huge impacts on our people and our environment. Take fisheries. The Pacific is home to over 50% of the world’s tuna stocks who live in an ecosystem that is interconnected and does not adhere to the political boundaries of our countries. Migratory species move freely across these borders, highlighting the need for holistic and cooperative approach to ocean management. We rely heavily on migratory fish stocks like tuna to sustain our economies and livelihoods so their governance beyond our borders directly affects us. We need to see high seas conservation measures such as marine protected areas to help critical fish habitats and replenish stocks.
Once sixty countries ratify the agreement, the treaty comes into effect and we will see a comprehensive framework focused on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. This will bring clarity to environmental impact assessments, a commitment to capacity building, and the transfer of marine technology. We will be better equipped to manage marine protected areas and, crucially, marine genetic resources.
But to be truly successful, our voice must be heard. Despite our vast ocean territories and strong cultural and economic ties to the sea, small island states often face challenges in fully participating in global decision-making. Capacity building and technology transfer are essential parts of the BBNJ Agreement. They help by providing training, resources, and knowledge to support better ocean management and sustainable use of marine resources. To fully benefit from the BBNJ Agreement, we need to focus on securing fair funding and support to overcome capacity challenges, ensure fair benefit-sharing, and strengthen regional institutions to increase our collective influence.
For too long, the high seas have been vulnerable to exploitation and degradation, threatening the very resources we depend on. Now, with the BBNJ Agreement in place, we need to turn commitments into action. As we approach the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) later this year, the time for hesitation is over. Our islands may be small, but our resolve is vast. The responsibility rests with all countries to ratify and implement the BBNJ Agreement—not as a symbolic gesture, but as a decisive step toward safeguarding our oceans for future generations. Let the next UN Oceans Conference be the moment we celebrate a world united in ocean protection—not one still waiting for action.
