Mexico Ratifies BBNJ Treaty to Protect Marine Biodiversity

Mexico has ratified the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), a multilateral treaty aimed at enhancing ocean governance and protecting ecosystems in areas beyond national boundaries. During the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente formally deposited Mexico’s instrument of ratification with Elinor Hammarskjöld, UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs. The treaty will enter into force in January 2026.

Also known as the High Seas Treaty, the BBNJ Agreement builds on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea by establishing a legal framework for managing biodiversity in international waters. It provides for marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, benefit-sharing of marine genetic resources, and mechanisms for capacity building and technology transfer.

“The treaty strengthens the legal regime of the Law of the Sea and represents a significant step toward the protection and global governance of oceans,” Mexico’s Foreign Ministry said. The ministry added that ratification “confirms Mexico’s commitment to multilateralism and to law as the best way to address global challenges.”

The agreement is considered vital to achieving global conservation targets, including the goal of protecting 30% of oceans by 2030. Effective implementation will require cooperation among governments, scientific institutions, and industries such as fisheries, biotechnology, shipping, and deep-sea exploration, which will face increased scrutiny over environmental impacts.