• The Marine Biodiversity Treaty will enter into force on January 17, 2026, after being ratified by the 60th nation, Morocco.
• This pioneering treaty aims to safeguard international waters, covering nearly two-thirds of the Earth's oceans.
• Key threats addressed include climate change, overfishing, and deep-sea mining, which endanger marine ecosystems.

The first-ever treaty to protect marine biodiversity in international waters is set to take effect on January 17, 2026, following Morocco's ratification, which marked the 60th nation to join the agreement. This treaty, hailed as a milestone, seeks to establish a legal framework for defending the marine ecosystems that comprise nearly two-thirds of the world's oceans, home to approximately 10 million species, many of which remain unidentified, according to India Times, Al Jazeera, and Africanews.

The treaty aims to combat significant threats to marine ecosystems, including climate change, pollution, overfishing, and the burgeoning deep-sea mining industry. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the agreement as a "lifeline for the ocean and humanity," emphasizing its role in assuring the sustainable use of marine resources and preserving biodiversity, according to Al Jazeera and Africanews.

Once the treaty is ratified, countries will commence discussions at Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to establish protected marine areas and address governance of activities like deep-sea mining. The effectiveness of the treaty heavily depends on robust implementation and the active participation of the signatory nations; failure to do so risks undermining the treaty's objectives especially since powerful nations, such as the US, China, and Russia, have yet to ratify it fully, according to India Times and Africanews.

Environmental experts stress the need for countries to collaborate on research and share technological advancements in the field of marine biodiversity, ensuring equitable benefit-sharing from resources derived from international waters. This will be crucial for developing countries that lack funding for marine research, aiming to secure a fair share in the anticipated market for marine genetic resources, according to Al Jazeera and India Times.

As nations prepare for the implementation phase of this historic treaty, many advocates remain cautiously optimistic yet underscore that the "true test" will lie in executing the commitments outlined in the pact and ensuring the health of the high seas for future generations, according to Africanews.