The Government of Grenada is pleased to announce the formal ratification of the United Nations Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).
Grenada’s instrument of ratification was deposited at the United Nations Headquarters in New York by Ambassador Ingrid C Jackson, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinaire and Permanent Representative of Grenada to the United Nations, reaffirming the country’s leadership and commitment to responsible ocean stewardship and sustainable use of marine resources in the high seas.
The BBNJ Agreement, often referred to as the “High Seas Treaty,” establishes the first legally binding global framework to govern biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, covering nearly half the planet’s surface. It represents a significant step forward in international cooperation to protect marine ecosystems, ensure equitable sharing of marine genetic resources, and promote the establishment of marine protected areas in the high seas.
Grenada’s ratification positions the country among the first wave of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to complete this critical step. It follows Grenada’s active role in the negotiation process and subsequent signing of the agreement in 2024.
Prime Minister the Honourable Dickon Mitchell welcomed the development, stating: “The ratification of the BBNJ Treaty is a bold declaration of our unwavering commitment to ocean governance and multilateralism. Grenada recognises that the health of the high seas is directly tied to our sustainable development and the resilience of our people. This treaty provides a framework that will strengthen our national and regional capacity to protect marine biodiversity and unlock long-term benefits for generations to come.”
The ratification of the BBNJ Agreement is expected to bring wide-ranging benefits to Grenada and other Caribbean SIDS, including increased access to marine scientific knowledge, strengthened capacity for monitoring and enforcement in offshore areas, and more equitable opportunities to share in the benefits derived from marine genetic resources.
Ambassador Jerry Enoe, Grenada’s Special Envoy for Oceans and Strategic Advisor for Oceans and Blue Economy at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), noted: “This Treaty is not just about environmental protection — it is about equity, opportunity, and survival for ocean-dependent nations. Grenada’s ratification sends a clear message: small island states will not sit on the sidelines when it comes to shaping the future of ocean governance. We will lead, we will innovate, and we will work collaboratively to ensure that the high seas are managed for the benefit of all, not just the few.”
Grenada becomes the 4th Caribbean country to ratify the BBNJ Agreement, joining Belize, Barbados, and St Lucia. A total of 55 countries have now ratified the treaty globally, moving the international community closer to the 60-state threshold required for the agreement to enter into force.
The next phase of work will focus on national implementation measures, including legislative alignment, stakeholder consultations, and participation in upcoming treaty bodies such as the Preparatory Commission and the first Conference of the Parties (COP). Grenada also remains committed to supporting regional readiness, including technical cooperation among OECS Member States and partners.
Grenada’s action reflects its long-standing commitment to sustainable ocean development and builds on its national ocean policy framework, marine spatial planning efforts, and active engagement in regional and global ocean diplomacy.
Office of the Prime Minister
Why does this seem so inconsistent and superficial. Does this reflect the Government’s “hands off” approach to both deliberate environmental and biodiversity degradation at the Six Senses site in St. David’s or is such deliberate abuse “not included” in Grenada’s pledge.
Please explain. I am waiting.
Another ratification, another load of words, we’re so accomplished at doing this and then the void. So little is created out of all these opportunities, it’s a shame. Glad the PM welcomed the development, as the leader of the country one would assume he would have been better informed.
Fine words as usual from this government. A shame, then, that it doesn’t put them into practice in our near-shore waters where it has allowed construction of a contaminating industrial boatyard in unspoilt Mt Hartman Bay. This is removing mangroves protecting the coastline, depleting nursery fish stocks for Woburn fishers, wrecking the sea bed habitat of lobster and queen conch by dredging and piling, and introducing marine poisons into the marine food chain including humans. Not to mention clearing of the land habitat used by wildlife including the critically endangered Grenada Dove which is struggling to make a comeback in numbers. This is not the location for another boatyard.
Not only has this government approved this development, the Prime Minister has actively promoted it https://www.instagram.com/p/DNYZUFageDE/?hl=en Government is the land owner and could stop it at any time. This silly ‘own goal’ will blight any future environment-friendly development of Mt Hartman. Who wants to be next to a dirty, noisy boatyard? This government’s attitude to protecting our environmental assets is no better than the last one. And it is no better at listening to the community. Arrogance has set in already it seems. Marketing our tourism product as “Pure Grenada” is now a bad joke.