BBNJ Agreement Enters Force, Recognizing Traditional Knowledge in Ocean Governance

The United Nations Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, a landmark treaty for ocean conservation, entered into force on 17 January 2026, marking a pivotal shift in global efforts to protect marine biodiversity. Adopted in 2023 after 19 years of negotiations, the agreement aims to conserve marine life in areas beyond national control, with a notable emphasis on integrating traditional knowledge into governance frameworks, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

What is the BBNJ Agreement?

The BBNJ Agreement, part of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), focuses on four key areas: marine genetic resources, environmental impact assessments, marine protected areas, and capacity-building. It is the first international treaty to explicitly recognize the role of traditional knowledge in managing high-seas ecosystems, as noted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Why is Traditional Knowledge Significant?

Traditional knowledge, defined by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) as “knowledge, practices, and beliefs developed through community interactions with the environment,” is woven into the treaty’s core. Article 7 mandates that states respect and consider such knowledge, while Article 13 requires Indigenous communities’ consent for access to marine genetic resources. This inclusion challenges historical reliance on Euro-Western scientific paradigms, as highlighted by scholar Fikret Berkes, who emphasizes the “relational and place-based” nature of Indigenous ecological expertise.

How Does This Shift Impact Ocean Governance?

The agreement signals a move toward “pluriversal” governance, a concept advocated by anthropologist Arturo Escobar, which prioritizes multiple ways of understanding nature. For coastal communities in the Indian Ocean, such as Sri Lanka’s artisanal fishers, this could mean greater recognition of intergenerational knowledge about monsoon cycles and fish migration patterns. However, critics warn that symbolic recognition alone may not dismantle entrenched power hierarchies, as noted by decolonial scholar Aníbal Quijano, who highlights the “coloniality of power” in environmental decision-making.

What Challenges Remain?

While the treaty’s provisions on traditional knowledge are groundbreaking, implementation hurdles persist. In Sri Lanka, for example, authorities have historically overlooked Indigenous fisheries management practices, according to a 2022 report by the University of Colombo. Ensuring meaningful participation of Indigenous groups will require “equitable governance structures,” as emphasized by the UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

What’s Next for the BBNJ Agreement?

As states begin ratifying the treaty, the focus will shift to translating its principles into action. The success of the BBNJ Agreement may hinge on whether it can bridge the gap between scientific expertise and Indigenous knowledge systems. “This isn’t just about protecting the ocean—it’s about redefining who gets to shape its future,” said Dr. Maria Teng, a marine policy expert at the Stockholm Resilience Centre.