The Philippines has formally deposited its instrument of ratification for the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), commonly known as the High Seas Treaty.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro deposited the instrument during the Treaty Event held at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Week in New York City. The Philippines’ ratification, making it the 65th State Party, pushes the total number of ratifications beyond the required 60-state threshold, officially triggering the Treaty’s entry into force in 120 days. The number of States Parties on the first day of the Treaty Event reached 69.
A Global Milestone for Ocean Governance
The BBNJ Agreement is the third implementing agreement of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It represents a crucial multilateral framework designed to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction—the high seas.
“We are proud to take this next step to be part of the growing family of States Parties to the BBNJ Agreement,” said Secretary Lazaro. “The Agreement is a milestone in addressing biological diversity loss and the degradation of ocean ecosystems. It is a crucial multilateral framework for an archipelagic state like the Philippines that is located in the world’s center of marine biodiversity, and bounded by the high seas in the Pacific and in the South China Sea. It further implements and reinforces the UNCLOS.”
Benefits for the Philippines
As the first comprehensive, cross-sectoral ocean treaty in decades, the BBNJ Agreement holds particular significance for the Philippines.
Food Security and Livelihoods: Area-based protections in the high seas could enhance fish stocks that spill over into the Philippines’ waters, securing catch for small fishers and sustaining food and livelihood for millions of coastal families.
Scientific Advancement: Through its capacity-building and marine technology transfer pillar, Filipino scientists will gain access to training, scientific data, and technology, strengthening marine scientific research and enabling access to benefits from marine genetic resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Archipelagic Recognition: The Philippines actively participated in the nearly two-decade negotiation process, advocating for the special recognition of archipelagic states, the common heritage of humankind, the fair and equitable sharing of benefits, and technology transfer for developing states.
The ratification solidifies the Philippines’ commitment to upholding the rules-based international order, particularly UNCLOS, and affirms its responsibility to protect and preserve the marine environment.
Ratification Process Complete
The BBNJ Agreement was adopted on 19 June 2023, and the Philippines was an early signatory. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ratified the Agreement on 18 June 2024, followed by the Senate’s unanimous concurrence on 17 September 2025. The ratification was the result of a robust inter-agency effort involving the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and several other key Philippine agencies and institutions.
