And so it begins – The adoption of the ‘Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction’ treaty

Abstract

After five years of negotiations, the ‘Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction’ (BBNJ) treaty was adopted on June 19th 2023. This adoption meeting was of a celebratory kind and included the final version of the draft treaty in all six languages – ready to be adopted, signed, ratified and enter into force – sooner rather than later. This short communication examines the narratives during this final meeting and assesses the language around the path forward. Key themes brought up in delegations' final statements were relationships with other instruments, credible paths towards financing the instrument and the role of the Conference of Parties - whose list of tasks for the first meeting is substantial. We also comment on the disassociation of the Russian Federation to the Treaty and its potential effect on its credible successful implementation.