Good News: Progress on the UN High Seas Treaty

At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice from June 9 to 13, 2025, 18 new countries ratified the High Seas Biodiversity Agreement, bringing the total to 49 signatories—just 11 short of the 60 required for it to enter into force.

Once adopted, this treaty will provide a legally binding framework to protect international waters, nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans, by enabling the:

• Creation of marine protected areas;

• Regulation of harmful activities (overfishing, deep-sea mining, etc.);

• Support for international scientific cooperation.

  
  

According to the UN Secretary-General, the pace of ratification is unprecedented for an environmental agreement. The UK has committed to ratifying the treaty by the end of 2025, making its enforcement in 2026 highly likely.

Why This Is a Strategic Turning Point

1. Stronger Protection of Marine Biodiversity

   The high seas host vital ecosystems for migratory species, carbon storage, and more. This treaty marks a decisive step in slowing marine biodiversity collapse by safeguarding key ocean areas.

   
   

2. Security for Global Supply Chains

   Industries such as agrifood, energy, and pharmaceuticals rely heavily on ocean resources—fish, algae, minerals, offshore energy. This treaty helps build resilient, sustainably managed supply chains.

   
   

3. Accountability and Regulatory Alignment for Businesses

   With a global legal framework, companies can now align ESG strategies, sustainable investments, and reporting (CSRD, TNFD) with tangible, verifiable commitments on ocean stewardship.

   
   

4. Access to Finance and Blue Markets

   Protected marine zones stabilize fish stocks, reduce natural disaster risks, and fuel the blue economy (eco-tourism, marine biotech, clean energy), paving the way for green and blue finance.

What You Can Do Now

1. Integrate ocean stewardship into your ESG analyses

2. Actively monitor marine impacts across your supply chain

3. Align sustainability reports with the emerging high seas framework

4. Explore new blue business opportunities: offshore renewables, marine bioproducts, sustainable tourism

The imminent enforcement of the High Seas Treaty is a strategic opportunity for forward-thinking companies to:

• Rethink their practices,

• Secure their marine dependencies,

• Strengthen compliance and build trust through bold environmental leadership.

Let’s talk about how to turn this historic shift into a business advantage.

Contact us at contact@dtmastercarbon.fr.