Fiji’s Bold Move: Will it Ratify the High Seas Treaty Before UN Conference?

As the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) approaches in June 2025 in Nice, France, there is a growing sense of optimism surrounding Fiji’s potential ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty. This momentous treaty aims to strengthen international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable management of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdictions.

During a recent visit to Fiji, Véronique Roger-Lacan, France’s ambassador to the Pacific, engaged with national and regional leaders to emphasize the significance of the BBNJ Agreement. She shared that while the treaty requires 60 ratifications to officially enter into force, there is hope that Fiji, along with other Pacific nations, will support it in time for the UNOC.

Currently, three Pacific nations—the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau—have already ratified the BBNJ Treaty. Fiji’s commitment to join them would serve as a pivotal step, as there are 14 independent states in the Pacific; achieving five ratifications would greatly contribute to the necessary total for global implementation.

The discussions leading up to the UNOC are also addressing pressing environmental issues such as plastic pollution and the impact of climate change. Ms. Roger-Lacan noted the importance of forming a strong coalition among Pacific Islands Forum members for effective negotiations on these matters, particularly in establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) and promoting sustainability.

Furthermore, the BBNJ Agreement is regarded as crucial not only to protect vulnerable marine species traversing international waters but also in strengthening Fiji’s own laws regarding ocean conservation. The ratification process exemplifies a growing regional momentum for sustainable ocean governance, as neighboring nations, including Samoa, are enhancing stakeholder engagement through workshops and collaborative initiatives.

This collective action among the Pacific nations illustrates a hopeful trajectory towards securing the health of marine ecosystems and ensuring resource sustainability for future generations. Fiji’s leadership in ratifying the BBNJ Agreement could incentivize other states in the region, contributing to a unified front in addressing global ocean challenges and fostering resilient governance frameworks.