Djibouti (Dawan Africa) – Djibouti has officially ratified the United Nations agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, becoming the 52nd country to do so. The move signals a firm commitment to global ocean governance and marks a key milestone in the country’s environmental policy agenda.
The ratification was formalized through Law No. 181/AN/25/9e L, signed by President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh on July 6, 2025. Known as the BBNJ Treaty (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), the agreement was initially adopted on June 19, 2023, at the United Nations in New York after nearly two decades of negotiations.
“This new instrument will allow our country to fully benefit from scientific, technical, and legal knowledge relating to marine biodiversity,” said Mohamed Abdulkader Moussa Helem, Djibouti’s Minister of Environment, following the treaty’s approval in Parliament.
The treaty addresses critical gaps in the legal framework governing the high seas by establishing mechanisms for:
- Equitable access and fair sharing of marine genetic resources,
- Technology transfer and capacity-building for developing countries,
- Environmental impact assessments and marine protected areas beyond national boundaries.
The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development will oversee the treaty's implementation in Djibouti, focusing on conservation efforts and building national expertise to protect ocean ecosystems beyond its jurisdiction.
The ratification aligns with Djibouti’s broader international engagements, including its participation in the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) held in Nice, France from June 9 to 14, 2025.
The BBNJ Treaty will enter into force 120 days after the 60th country ratifies it, moving the world closer to a legally binding framework for the sustainable management of the high seas.
