South Africa has officially pledged to ratify the historic High Seas Treaty within the next year, a move that reinforces its commitment to global marine biodiversity protection. This development was confirmed by a senior official from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment on Thursday, shortly after the country signed the treaty at the United Nations Oceans Conference held in Nice, France.
Formally titled 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), the High Seas Treaty is the first legally binding international framework designed to safeguard marine biodiversity in international waters. Finalised in March 2023 and adopted in June the same year, the treaty is seen as a pivotal step toward protecting ocean ecosystems that exist beyond the jurisdiction of individual states.
To come into force, the agreement must be ratified by at least 60 nations. As of now, only 21 countries have completed the ratification process, though more, including South Africa, are moving towards formal endorsement.
The High Seas Treaty focuses on four major pillars:
Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) – including equitable sharing of benefits from scientific discoveries.
Area-Based Management Tools – such as establishing marine protected areas.
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) – to regulate potentially harmful activities.
Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer – to support developing nations in marine research and conservation.
The treaty is significant because areas beyond national jurisdiction make up nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans. These vast spaces are rich in biodiversity but have long remained vulnerable due to the absence of enforceable global frameworks for their protection.
South Africa’s support for the treaty is consistent with its environmental and sustainable development policies. The country has already demonstrated leadership in ocean governance through its involvement in the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which targets the removal of harmful subsidies that lead to overfishing and illegal fishing practices. According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, South Africa deposited its instrument of acceptance for that agreement earlier this year, signalling a unified approach to sustainable marine resource management.
In addition, South Africa plays an integral role in regional marine conservation efforts, especially through its participation in the Benguela Current Commission. This initiative, shared with Angola and Namibia, promotes the joint management of the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME), which supports rich fisheries and unique marine biodiversity along southern Africa’s Atlantic coast.
By committing to ratify the High Seas Treaty, South Africa also adds weight to Africa’s collective voice in global environmental diplomacy. With 54 member states, the African continent represents the largest voting bloc at the United Nations. Environmental policy experts note that Africa’s widespread adoption of the treaty will be vital in reaching the 60-country threshold for ratification.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment emphasised that South Africa’s ratification timeline will include thorough domestic legal alignment, stakeholder consultations, and formal parliamentary approval. If achieved within the next 12 months, South Africa will be among the early adopters of the treaty—positioning itself as a continental leader in ocean protection.
Environmentalists and scientists have hailed the treaty as a transformative step toward managing the global ocean commons more equitably and sustainably. While deep-sea mining, climate change, and marine pollution continue to threaten international waters, the High Seas Treaty offers a platform to implement conservation measures that are both science-based and inclusive.
Looking ahead, South Africa’s pledge could serve as a catalyst for broader African and global ratification. According to the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), South Africa’s endorsement of the treaty may encourage peer nations to follow suit, especially those with significant ocean territories or interests in marine resource governance.
In conclusion, South Africa’s announcement that it will ratify the High Seas Treaty within the year is more than symbolic. It marks a tangible commitment to future-proofing marine ecosystems for generations to come. In doing so, the nation affirms its place at the forefront of international efforts to promote a more just, sustainable, and scientifically informed management of the planet’s shared ocean heritage.
