The High Seas Treaty – formally the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction – entered into force on 17 January 2026, marking an important moment for global ocean protection and international cooperation.

For the first time, countries now have a legally binding framework to help protect and sustainably manage the high seas, which make up nearly two-thirds of the ocean beyond national borders. The treaty provides a shared framework for creating marine protected areas in international waters, setting clear expectations for how resources should be used, and ensuring benefits are shared more fairly.

With the treaty now in force, global efforts move from years of negotiation into a new phase focused on implementation – translating commitments into practical measures to safeguard ocean life over the long term.

Becht Foundation has supported efforts contributing to this milestone through its funding of the High Seas Alliance, a coalition of organisations working to secure strong protection for biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.