Posted on May, 07 2025

07 May 2025 | Suva, Fiji  – In a landmark decision for global ocean governance and Pacific leadership, the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji on 1 May officially approved the ratification of the High Seas Treaty, officially known as the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Treaty)^[1].

This milestone positions Fiji as the fourth Pacific Island Country to ratify the treaty through parliamentary endorsement, reinforcing its commitment to protecting ocean biodiversity for present and future generations.

WWF congratulates the government and people of Fiji for this historic step. The ratification of the BBNJ Treaty is a significant stride toward achieving global United Nations ‘30x30’ targets—protecting 30% of the world’s land and ocean by 2030—and embodies the spirit of a “People and Nature Positive Pacific”.

The BBNJ Treaty, adopted in 2023 after nearly two decades of negotiation, represents a global effort to ensure equitable, science-based governance of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdictions—covering nearly half the planet’s surface.

WWF has proudly supported the Fiji government since 2018 in its negotiations, technical preparations, and policy advisory processes, and continues to work with Pacific Island nations to advocate for full ratification and eventual implementation.

“This is a defining moment not only for Fiji but for our entire region,” said Hanna Helsingen, Interim Director, WWF-Pacific. “The ratification of the BBNJ Treaty by Fiji’s Parliament reflects bold leadership and a deep understanding of the Pacific’s role as guardians of the largest ocean on Earth. This decision strengthens multilateralism and gives our communities renewed hope for ocean health, livelihoods, and climate resilience. It is a true win for people and nature.”

The Treaty also represents a strong commitment to inclusive ocean governance, ensuring that the voices of Pacific communities—whose cultural, economic, and spiritual identities are deeply intertwined with the ocean—are recognised in decision-making about shared marine resources.

Following Palau’s pioneering step as the first country globally to ratify the Treaty in 2024, and with recent endorsement by the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji’s ratification provides powerful momentum for other Pacific Island Countries to follow suit before the June 2025 deadline to join the first meeting of States Parties to the Treaty.

WWF will now support Fiji’s next steps, including the formal deposition of its instrument of ratification with the United Nations and beginning national preparations for the implementation of the Treaty’s provisions.

“This is just the beginning,” added Helsingen. “We are committed to walking alongside our Pacific governments and communities to ensure the BBNJ Treaty becomes more than just words on paper—it becomes a living framework for justice, sustainability, and shared stewardship of the high seas.”

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Notes to Editors
Media Contact:
Ravai Vafo’ou
Pacific Communications Coordinator, WWF-Pacific
+679 998 7430 | rvafoou@wwfpacific.org

Information on the BBNJ Treaty: un.org/bbnjagreement

Official status of countries that have ratified the BBNJ Treaty: treaties.un.org/ChapterXXI/10
●    To date, 114 Parties have signed and 21 Parties have ratified the Treaty. Fiji has yet to conclude the ratification process, but Parliament has endorsed ratification. The ratification process is completed officially once the Fiji government deposits instruments of ratification with the United Nations.
●    At least 60 Parties must ratify the Treaty in order for it to come into force (39 more Parties needed).
●    Upon the 60th Party ratifying the Treaty, then “this Agreement" enters into force 120 days later.

About WWF-Pacific
WWF-Pacific is part of the global WWF network, one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. Operating across Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, WWF-Pacific works in partnership with communities, governments, and stakeholders to build a future where people live in harmony with nature. Our work spans marine and terrestrial conservation, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and biodiversity protection, with a strong focus on community-led and culturally grounded approaches. Through our collective efforts, we strive to achieve a People and Nature Positive Pacific. For more information, visit www.wwfpacific.org