The Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions: A New Chapter for Ocean Governance
Recently, the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions, also known as the High Seas Treaty, came into effect, paving the way for the protection of marine life in international waters. Countries in Latin America and West Africa are working to finalize proposals to establish their first high seas marine protected areas, or MPAs.
However, much about the practical implementation of the BBNJ treaty remains uncertain: How will high seas protected areas be enforced? Who will be responsible? How will they interact with existing marine governance structures?
Africa's Role in Ocean Governance
David Willima, a maritime researcher at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Pretoria, South Africa, frequently grapples with these questions. Part of the ISS's Climate Risk and Human Security project, he focuses on maritime security, ocean governance, and the blue economy, working with governments, the African Union (AU), and other stakeholders to improve their capacity to deal with maritime issues.
Willima began engaging more closely with BBNJ-related issues in 2022 and since then has been involved in creating awareness and capacity-building around the High Seas Treaty. More recently, he supported the IUCN, the global authority on nature conservation, in engaging with countries and the AU, specifically in the Western Indian Ocean region.
Challenges and Opportunities for Africa
The implementation of the High Seas Treaty is significant for Africa, as the continent has a vast coastline and rich marine biodiversity. However, Africa also faces significant challenges, including the persistence of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Willima highlights the importance of empowering African governments and stakeholders to address these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities offered by the High Seas Treaty. This includes establishing marine protected areas, promoting the blue economy, and protecting marine biodiversity.
The Science Behind Ocean Governance
Ocean governance is a complex field that involves the interaction of multiple actors and interests. The science behind ocean governance is based on understanding marine ecosystems and the human impacts on these ecosystems.
This includes understanding marine biodiversity, species migration patterns, the impacts of fishing and pollution, among others. Science also plays a crucial role in identifying marine protected areas and defining effective conservation strategies.
Broader Context
Ocean governance is a global issue that affects all countries and regions. The implementation of the High Seas Treaty is an important step towards protecting marine life and promoting the blue economy.
However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that the treaty is implemented effectively and that challenges are overcome. This includes international cooperation, capacity-building for governments and stakeholders, and raising awareness about the importance of ocean governance.
What Happens Next
The implementation of the High Seas Treaty is an ongoing process that will require the attention and commitment of all actors involved. In the coming years, it is essential to monitor the progress of treaty implementation and identify areas that require more attention.
Furthermore, it is crucial to promote international cooperation and capacity-building for governments and stakeholders to ensure that the treaty is implemented effectively and that challenges are overcome.
Conclusion
Ocean governance is a complex and challenging issue that requires the attention and commitment of all actors involved. The implementation of the High Seas Treaty is an important step towards protecting marine life and promoting the blue economy.
It is essential to continue working together to ensure that the treaty is implemented effectively and that challenges are overcome. With international cooperation, capacity-building for governments and stakeholders, and raising awareness, we can ensure a more sustainable future for the oceans and the communities that depend on them.
Source / Reference
Original URL: https://news.mongabay.com/2026/07/what-will-africas-story-on-ocean-governance-be-interview-with-david-willima/
Source Name: Mongabay
Title: What will Africa’s story on ocean governance be? Interview with David Willima