Today, the Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, Oleksiy Sobolev, signed the Open Sea Agreement (BBNJ Agreement) at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Ukraine has now become a participant in a new international mechanism for the protection of ocean ecosystems and the sustainable use of marine resources in international waters.
On August 28, 2025, the President of Ukraine authorized Oleksiy Sobolev to sign the Agreement under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
“This Agreement is another important step toward Ukraine’s European future. We reaffirm that ocean and marine conservation is part of our European and global environmental integration. Our location on the Black and Azov Seas makes maritime security and ecosystem protection strategic priorities for the country and the region. Even in wartime, we demonstrate our ability to care for the global environment, address climate challenges, and combat environmental crimes committed by the aggressor,” said Oleksiy Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine.
The signing of the Open Sea Agreement:
- Confirms the country’s pro-European course and support for key diplomatic priorities of the European Union, particularly France, which actively promotes this document internationally;
- Contributes to achieving the goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity, aiming to conserve 30% of land and oceans by 2030;
- Aligns with the Paris Climate Agreement, particularly regarding Blue Carbon—carbon captured by marine ecosystems;
- Allows Ukraine to influence global decisions on marine environmental protection;
- Opens new opportunities for science and various sectors of the economy;
- Draws global attention to the negative environmental impact caused by Russia in Crimea and the Black Sea.
The Minister emphasized that joining the Open Sea Agreement is a clear demonstration of Ukraine’s readiness to fulfill international obligations and participate in shaping global ocean protection policies with international partners, despite the country not having access to the open ocean.
Background:
Within 120 days of signing, all countries must complete the ratification process, after which the document enters into force. Currently, the Agreement has been signed by 140 countries, of which 54 have ratified it within their national jurisdictions.
The Open Sea Agreement, adopted in 2023, is the third implementing agreement under UNCLOS. Its goal is to establish unified global rules for the protection of biodiversity in areas covering two-thirds of the world’s oceans. The Agreement provides for:
- Creation of marine protected areas;
- Implementation of environmental impact assessment mechanisms;
- Fair access to the ocean’s genetic resources;
- Development of scientific research and technology transfer.
