Guterres: "Agreement on Biodiversity of the Ocean" comes into effect to fill global gaps in ocean governance.

On January 17, local time, United Nations Secretary-General Guterres issued a statement saying that the "Agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea" formally came into effect that day, marking a significant milestone in global ocean governance. Guterres pointed out that this is "a milestone moment for the ocean agenda." The statement emphasizes that the "Agreement on Marine Biodiversity" establishes a legally binding international framework for the high seas, which make up two-thirds of the global ocean area beyond national jurisdiction, aimed at protecting and sustainably using marine biodiversity.