Signing the High Seas Agreement: What will change for Ukrainian science and economy?
1 September 11:44
Oleksiy Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, signed the High Seas Agreement (BBNJ Agreement) at the UN Headquarters in New York. Ukraine has now become a member of a new international mechanism for the protection of ocean ecosystems and the sustainable use of marine resources in international waters. This is reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the Cabinet of Ministers.
Back on August 28, 2025, the President of Ukraine authorized Oleksiy Sobolev to sign an agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which regulates the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
“This Agreement is another important step towards Ukraine’s European future. We reaffirm that the conservation of oceans and seas is part of our European and global environmental integration. Our location on the Black and Azov Seas makes maritime security and ecosystem protection issues strategic for the country and the region. Even in times of war, we are proving that we are able to take care of the global environment, confront climate challenges and fight the aggressor’s environmental crimes,” said Oleksiy Sobolev.
The main benefits of signing the Agreement for Ukraine:
- Confirmation of the country’s pro-European course and support for the key diplomatic priorities of the EU, in particular France, which is actively promoting the document internationally.
- Contributing to the achievement of the goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity, in particular the conservation of 30% of territories and oceans by 2030.
- Alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement in terms of Blue Carbon – carbon absorbed by marine ecosystems.
- The ability to influence global decisions on marine environmental protection.
- New opportunities for science and the economy, including the development of research and technology.
- Drawing the world’s attention to the negative impact of Russia on the environment of Crimea and the Black Sea.
The minister emphasized that joining the agreement demonstrates Ukraine’s readiness to fulfill international obligations and participate in shaping global ocean conservation policy, even though it has no access to the open ocean.
What is changing for science and the Ukrainian economy?
- Development of scientific research: the agreement provides for the exchange of data and new technologies, which will allow Ukrainian scientists to participate in global projects to study ocean ecosystems.
- Stimulus for innovation in the marine economy: the creation of marine protected areas and environmental impact assessment open up opportunities for startups, ecotourism, and the development of the blue economy.
- Access to ocean genetic resources: Ukrainian companies and scientific institutions will have fair access to resources for biotechnology and medical research.
- International cooperation: participation in global solutions for marine environmental protection allows Ukraine to integrate into the global scientific community and economic initiatives.
- Support for the European course: the agreement confirms the pro-European direction of state policy and contributes to the implementation of the EU’s environmental goals and the Paris Climate Agreement, in particular in the field of Blue Carbon.
Within 120 days of signing, all countries must complete the ratification process, after which the document enters into force.
To date, 140 countries have signed the agreement, of which 54 have already ratified it in their national jurisdictions.
The agreement was adopted in 2023 and is the third implementing agreement under UNCLOS.
The purpose of the document is to create unified global rules for the protection of biodiversity in an area covering two-thirds of the world’s oceans.
The High Seas Agreement was adopted in 2023 and is the third implementing agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Its goal is to create uniform global rules for the protection of biodiversity in an area covering two-thirds of the world’s oceans. The agreement provides for
creation of marine protected areas,
introduction of an environmental impact assessment mechanism,
fair access to ocean genetic resources,
development of scientific research and technology transfer.
