20 August 2025, New York, US – Governments have returned to the Global Ocean Treaty talks following the flurry of ratifications at the UN Ocean Conference in June. The Treaty is expected to reach the number of ratifications required for its entry into force in the coming months.
The talks, known as the second BBNJ Preparatory Commission, taking place over the coming two weeks in New York, are an important moment to secure the ocean governance needed to achieve a network of ocean sanctuaries on the high seas. Governments must now agree on the process for creating the first protected areas under the Treaty if we are to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. A goal which scientists agree is absolutely necessary.
Greenpeace and its allies are calling for the just and equitable protection of the ocean, and urging progress on priority sites in the Atlantic and across the globe.
During the second day of the talks, Greenpeace held an event at the United Nations Headquarters in partnership with activists, scientists and indigenous community members. Together they made the case for large new protected areas of the high seas in the Atlantic, and across the globe, which could help to reach the 30 by 30 target. The event, featuring panellists from Bermuda, Nigeria, and Canada, demanded integrity in recognising and empowering local and Indigenous rights, allowing for co-governance rooted in both scientific and traditional knowledge. This grounded, inclusive approach will ensure these Marine Protected Areas are both ecologically robust and socially just.
Noelle Young, Sustainability Solutionist & Environmental Justice Delegate from Bermuda, who spoke at the event, said: “The Sargasso Sea must become one of the first high seas marine protected areas under the High Seas Treaty. It is one of the most studied, storied, and data rich regions of the global ocean – a borderless sea, alive with the migratory journeys of countless species. Bermuda is the only nation physically bound to the Sargasso. All that we are is deeply tied to the health of this unique oceanic system; from our food security and fresh water access to human health and economic fragility. Bermuda – alongside other subnational island jurisdictions – must be granted permissions to help steer this Treaty toward true environmental justice. Like many currents joining one sea, the voices of fishers, shipping companies, local and indigenous communities, governments and NGOs must flow together in guiding our future.”
Professor Babajide Alo, from Nigeria, Scientific Advisor and Lead AGN Negotiator for the BBNJ, who also spoke at the event, said: “The science is clear: Sanctuaries play a critical role in preserving biodiversity and sustaining food security for the billions who depend on ocean resources. Africa has vast marine and coastal ecosystems, including critical areas like the Gulf of Guinea, Red Sea, Western Indian Ocean, and Southern Atlantic. Empowered local scientists are the foundation for resilient, equitable, and evidence-based ocean sanctuaries. One of the core parts of the BBNJ Treaty is capacity building for developing countries. The Treaty must be a tool to meaningfully engage with and strengthen the scientific and technical skills of African researchers. This will reduce dependency on external experts and promote local ownership of the new ocean sanctuaries.”
The talks will also focus on the Treaty’s future sticking points and its ability to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030. The Treaty must have the power to implement measures quickly without relying on bodies like fisheries management organisations – which have overseen destruction of the oceans for decades – to deliver the levels of protection that the ocean needs. The talks will also address observer participation in future Ocean Conferences of Parties (COPs). This will be vital to ensure transparency and equal participation for civil society, Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
No final decisions will be made at these talks, but they will begin to unpack these key points of contention. These will be crucial to whether or not the Treaty will be able to deliver effective management measures in international waters, including the levels of protection for marine protected areas set up by the Treaty.
Megan Randles, Head of Delegation, Greenpeace said: “For years, the key sticking points of the Treaty have been left waiting in the wings. During these talks, Governments have the chance to resolve these tough questions and avoid the Treaty only being able to deliver paper parks – areas protected on paper but with no tangible management measures to stop destructive human activities. Instead, the Treaty must revolutionise global ocean governance by closing vast areas of ocean to extractive and destructive human activities, and protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.”
52 countries (plus the European Union) have currently ratified the Global Ocean Treaty. 60 ratifications by countries are needed for it to enter into force. Greenpeace is urging Governments to ratify the Treaty as soon as possible.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Contacts:
Greenpeace International Press Desk: [email protected], +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours);
Florri Burton, Greenpeace global oceans media lead, [email protected] +447896523839;
Alexandra Sedgwick, Greenpeace UK press officer, [email protected], +44 7739 963 301.
Photos of the event are available in the Greenpeace Media Library
Greenpeace spokespeople are available in English, French and German throughout PrepCom please contact Florri Burton for more info.
