Today, the Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Oleksii Sobolev signed the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, (BBNJ Agreement) at the UN headquarters in New York. Ukraine has joined a new international mechanism to protect ocean ecosystems and ensure sustainable use of marine resources.

On August 28, 2025, the President of Ukraine, by his Order, authorized Oleksii Sobolev to sign 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.

“This Agreement is another important step towards the European future of Ukraine. We confirm that the issue of preserving the oceans and seas is part of our European and global environmental integration. Our location on the Black and Azov Seas makes the issues of maritime security and ecosystem protection strategic for the country and the region. Even in times of war, we prove that we are able to care for the global environment, confront climate challenges and fight the environmental crimes of the aggressor,” said Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.

The signing of the High Seas Agreement:

• confirms the state’s pro-European course and support for the key diplomatic priorities of the European Union, in particular France, which is actively promoting this document at the international level;
• contributes to achieving the goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which provides for the preservation of 30% of territories and oceans by 2030;
• is consistent with the Paris Climate Agreement in terms of discussing Blue Carbon – carbon absorbed by marine ecosystems.
• allows us to influence global decisions on the protection of the marine environment;
• opens up new opportunities for science and various sectors of the economy;
• will draw the world’s attention to the negative impact that Russia has on the environment of Crimea and the Black Sea.

The Minister emphasized that joining the High Seas Agreement is a clear demonstration of Ukraine's readiness to fulfill international obligations and participate in the formation of a global ocean protection policy together with our international partners, despite the fact that our state is landlocked.

For reference:

Within 120 days from the moment of signing, all countries must complete the ratification process, after which the document enters into force. Currently, 140 countries have signed the Agreement, of which 54 signatories have ratified it in their national jurisdictions.

The High Seas Agreement was adopted in 2023 and is the third implementing agreement within the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Its goal is to create uniform global rules for the protection of biodiversity in an area covering two-thirds of the World Ocean. The agreement provides for:

• the creation of marine protected areas,
• the introduction of an environmental impact assessment mechanism,
• equitable access to ocean genetic resources,
• the development of scientific research and technology transfer.