Germany Ratifies UN High Seas Protection Agreement to Safeguard Marine Biodiversity

Germany has officially ratified the United Nations High Seas Protection Agreement, marking a significant step towards preserving biodiversity in international marine areas beyond national jurisdiction. The ratification certificate was submitted by Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider at the United Nations, formalizing Germany's commitment to this landmark international environmental accord.

The agreement, adopted by the UN in June 2023 after nearly two decades of negotiations and effective since January 17, 2024, establishes the first global framework for designating marine protected areas (MPAs) in the high seas. These areas cover about 60% of the world's oceans and constitute the largest contiguous ecosystem on Earth, representing roughly half of the planet's surface.

Germany has prepared the necessary national legislation to implement the treaty, with the High Seas Protection Act (HochseeSchG) passed by the Bundestag earlier in 2026. Together, the treaty and the national law will become binding for German entities starting October 21, 2026. This legal framework enables Germany to restrict certain activities in protected marine zones to facilitate ecosystem recovery and aims to contribute to the global goal of safeguarding 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.

Minister Schneider described the agreement as "the greatest international environmental achievement in recent years," emphasizing the urgent need for ocean protection against threats such as plastic pollution, overfishing, chemical contamination, and climate change. He highlighted international collaboration as essential for tackling these global challenges.

Environmental groups have welcomed Germany's accession. Greenpeace called it an "important and overdue step," urging the government to advance concrete measures at the forthcoming conference of parties (Ocean-COP) scheduled for January 2027 in New York. WWF also stressed the need for strong institutions, adequate financing, and rapid establishment of effective marine protected areas. Currently, only about 1% of the high seas enjoys effective protection.

Germany is already working with partner states to propose MPAs in the high seas ahead of the Ocean-COP, where parties will form working groups and decide on the location of the treaty secretariat. With Germany now a voting member of the agreement, it is positioned to play an active role in shaping future marine conservation policies on the global stage.