Philippines accedes to UN treaty protecting marine life

The Philippines has formally acceded to a legally binding United Nations treaty aimed at protecting marine life and addressing ocean degradation in international waters.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro submitted the Philippine ratification documents at the UN Headquarters in New York City during the UN General Assembly.

This accession completes the country's ratification process, following President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s ratification of the BBNJ accord in June 2024 and the Senate's concurrence in September 2025.

The treaty, also known as the "High Seas Treaty," is considered a milestone in tackling biodiversity loss and the degradation of ocean ecosystems.

The Philippines views the BBNJ accord as a crucial framework for an archipelagic nation situated in the center of marine biodiversity, reinforcing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).