Political momentum and leadership on ratification and implementation, with a focus on African regional efforts on High Seas MPAs.

With the High Seas Treaty’s entry into force in January 2026 and its first Conference of Parties scheduled for January 2027, it is now critical to breathe life into the Treaty- accelerating global efforts to turn it from words on paper into action on the water. Covering half our planet’s surface and ⅔ of the global ocean, the High Seas play a critical role in sustaining ocean and planetary health. Their protection will be critical for achieving the goal of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 (30×30).
Surrounded by High Seas, Africa has significant stakes in this process: nearly 200 million Africans depend on a healthy ocean for food security, and ecological connectivity between national waters and adjacent High Seas directly influences biodiversity, climate resilience, and livelihoods. With a third of the 54 African States having ratified the Agreement, this side event will spotlight efforts to promote broad participation in the Treaty as well as Africa’s pathway in contributing to global participation in the High Seas Treaty. It will also showcase implementation leadership emerging across the continent as well as other parts of the planet.

Structured in two segments, this side event will explain how accelerated ratification and effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement are essential climate and biodiversity action:

  •  Segment 1: Political Momentum and Regional Leadership: From Ratification to Implementation: A number of high-level speakers will highlight ratification and implementation efforts and initiatives that they are championing in their regions and countries. Interventions will also focus on the tangible gains for governments, in particular African states, on participating in the Treaty, with regards to ecosystems, economies, and increased resources, capacity, technology and tools to support effective implementation.
  • Segment 2: Delivering 30×30 through High Seas ABMTs/MPAs: This Segment will highlight High Seas ABMTs/MPA connectivity and representativeness as essential building blocks for achieving 30×30 and other global targets. The discussion will showcase early high seas ABMTs/MPAs initiatives demonstrating ecological connectivity, including: The African co-led Sub-Antarctic High Seas MPA initiative; The Atlantic Marine Megafauna Corridor; How Key Biodiversity Areas and the Marine Flyways can accelerate ocean action in African waters and the adjacent High Seas