- The ROK becomes the 21st country to ratify the agreement and is expected to play a leading role in the conservation of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. -

1. The government of the Republic of Korea completed its domestic ratification process for 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) and deposited the instrument of ratification with the UN Secretary-General on March 19 (New York time). Ambassador Hwang Joonkook, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, submitted the instrument of ratification on behalf of the country. With this, the ROK has become the 21st country and the first in East Asia to ratify the BBNJ Agreement.

2. The agreement was adopted by the UN in June 2023 and opened for signature in September of the same year. The ROK signed the agreement in October 2023 and subsequently proceeded with the domestic ratification process, which culminated in the ratification bill passing the National Assembly plenary session on March 13.

3. The BBNJ Agreement was established in response to the growing concerns over the severe degradation of marine ecosystems in areas beyond national jurisdiction, where no specific regulatory frameworks existed. The agreement aims to serve as an international legal framework to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in the high seas and deep-sea areas.

4. Once the agreement enters into force, it is expected to enhance marine biodiversity protection through measures such as the establishment of marine protected areas, the conduct of environmental impact assessments, and capacity-building for developing countries.

5. The BBNJ Agreement will enter into force 120 days after the deposit of the 60th instrument of ratification. The ROK’s ratification is expected to contribute to the international community’s efforts to protect marine ecosystems.

6. To minimize potential impacts on domestic industries and research activities, the ROK government has decided to make an exception in which marine genetic resources acquired before the agreement’s entry into force are not subject to the agreement.

7. The ROK government will take necessary measures, including enacting domestic laws, to ensure the effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. Furthermore, the government plans to actively participate in discussions on establishing a governance framework for high seas conservation and strengthen cooperation with the international community.