On 9 June 2025, The EU co-hosted the high-level event “Celebrating High Seas Action” alongside the High Seas Alliance, IUCN and other partners during the Third UN Ocean Conference in Nice.
A major highlight was the formal relaunch of the BBNJ High Ambition Coalition, now co-chaired by Palau, Seychelles, and the European Union, aiming to drive urgent ratification and fair and equitable implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. Several government representatives announced imminent or same-day ratifications, signalling clear political will.
The event convened a broad coalition of stakeholders—including government and Indigenous leaders, international organisations, civil society, science, youth, and philanthropy—to spotlight momentum for the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) and catalyse further support for its ratification and implementation. It was a full house and many wanting to attend could not as it was at full capacity.
Notable announcements
High Seas Treaty ratifications and signatures
- 5 Ratifications announced: Bahamas, Belgium, Côte d’Ivoire, Tuvalu, Nigeria
- Upcoming ratifications signalled: Cook Islands, Germany, Australia, Cambodia, Philippines
- 2 New signatories announced: Cambodia and Yemen
High Seas Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
- Chile and Rapa Nui leaders reaffirmed MPA commitment in the region.
- Nigeria highlighted its MPA proposal in the ECOWAS region.
- Costa Rica, Thermal Dome
- Portugal, and Yemen expressed general support for high seas MPAs
Financial commitments
The EU announced the launch of the first €10 million tranche of its €40 million Global Ocean Programme, including a technical assistance facility established by and to be implemented by IUCN to support BBNJ early implementation. The EU will support a secretariat for the BBNJ High Ambition Coalition. The support functions of the BBNJ HAC secretariat to the HAC members will be carried out by IUCN.
Germany pledged €20 million through IKI to support high seas MPA development via GIZ, GOBI, and IUCN.
Minderoo Foundation committed AUD 10 million (approx. USD 6.5 million) to accelerate high seas MPAs, including USD 2 million for the High Seas Alliance. This commitment adds to the USD 51.7 million already committed in a joint donor pledge at CBD COP16 last year – bringing the total amount committed by 12 funders to kickstart the development of MPAs on the high seas to USD 58.2 million, the largest amount ever committed to high seas conservation. To help accelerate the creation of MPAs under the High Seas Treaty, Bloomberg Ocean Initiative announced it will fund a Secretariat for the BBNJ First Movers, a government collaborative committed to fast-tracking the creation of high seas MPAs in priority biodiversity hotspots. The functions of the Secretariat will be carried out by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
Bloomberg Philanthropies announced support for the BBNJ First Movers Secretariat, to be hosted by NRDC, and confirmed that total philanthropic commitments to high seas MPA implementation now stand at USD 58.2 million.
Key quotes
“The EU is proud to have ratified the BBNJ and calls on all countries to join the High Ambition Coalition to support its implementation,” said Costas Kadis, EU Commissioner for Oceans and Fisheries.
“Minderoo Foundation’s pledge sends a clear message that planning for MPAs in the high seas needs to start now,” said Dr Andrew Forrest AO.
“The surge of ratifications marks historic progress. We’re proud to support the BBNJ First Movers to accelerate high-quality MPA proposals,” said Melissa Wright, Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Conclusion
The event demonstrated strong, growing momentum for the BBNJ Treaty’s ratification and a historic level of financial commitment for the development of high seas MPAs. IUCN and partners remain committed to advancing an inclusive and science-based approach to BBNJ implementation and stands ready to support States and stakeholders in safeguarding the high seas as the common heritage of humankind. The Technical Assistance Facility under the EU Global Ocean Programme will play a central role in supporting implementation through scientific, legal, and policy expertise, especially in advancing high seas MPAs. The BBNJ High Ambition Coalition will be key to maintain the political momentum and offer a platform for capacity sharing.
Photos of the events are available here Photos can be used crediting Joe Short.