Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) refers to the variety of life—plants, animals, and ecosystems—that exists in the oceans outside the boundaries of any individual country’s waters (beyond the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zones). These areas host unique species and habitats that are vital for global environmental health. BBNJ involves international efforts to protect and sustainably manage this vast, largely unregulated part of the ocean, ensuring that activities like fishing, shipping, and potential resource extraction do not harm marine life or disrupt ecological balances beyond national jurisdictions.