PNG Joins Global Marine Biodiversity Agreement

 Papua New Guinea has strengthened its role in global ocean governance after formally depositing its ratification of the international agreement designed to protect marine biodiversity in waters beyond national jurisdiction.

The instrument was handed over in New York by Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko on September 22, marking the completion of PNG's process to become a party to the BBNJ Agreement. The document was received by UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and Legal Counsel Elinor Hammarskjöld on behalf of the Secretary-General.

Foreign Minister Tkatchenko, Ms. Elinor Hammarskjold, UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and Legal Counsel, and an official, during the presentation of PNG's Instrument of Ratification on 22 September 2026, at the UN Headquarters in New York. Picture supplied.

For PNG, the agreement provides another avenue to participate in international decision-making concerning the world's oceans and marine resources.

The BBNJ treaty focuses on biodiversity in areas outside national jurisdiction and establishes rules dealing with four major areas: marine genetic resources and benefit sharing, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and capacity building and marine technology transfer.

Tkatchenko said PNG's relationship with the sea went beyond geography, describing the ocean as closely connected to the country's culture, livelihoods, food security and future.

"For Papua New Guinea, the ocean is not simply a vast expanse beyond our shores. It is central to our identity, our culture, our livelihoods, our food security, and our future. By depositing this Instrument of Ratification, Papua New Guinea is reaffirming its commitment to responsible ocean stewardship and to strengthening international cooperation for the sustainable management of our shared marine resources."

The agreement was adopted in 2023 as an implementing agreement under UNCLOS. PNG later signed it in Nice, France, in June 2025 during the United Nations Ocean Conference.

Following its domestic approval by Parliament on June 4, 2026, the final international step was completed when PNG deposited its instrument with the United Nations on September 22.

The BBNJ Agreement has been in force since January 17, 2026, following the deposit of the 60th instrument required for its entry into force.

PNG's participation is expected to allow the country to continue raising Pacific priorities in discussions over marine conservation, sustainable resource use and access to scientific and technological capacity.

Under the agreement, countries also take on responsibilities for implementing and enforcing its provisions and contributing to arrangements established by the Conference of the Parties. Assistance mechanisms are available for states with limited capacity.

PNG will continue to use its diplomatic voice in international forums to promote an ocean governance system that takes into account the interests of Pacific countries and future generations.