Country takes concrete steps to support BBNJ Agreement, restore marine health

China's bid to host the secretariat of a landmark United Nations ocean treaty in Xiamen, Fujian province, is expected to boost global marine cooperation and strengthen developing nations' role in ocean governance, according to a report released on Thursday during the 2026 World Ocean Week.

Compiled by the China Institute for Marine Affairs under the Ministry of Natural Resources, the report details China's contributions to the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, known as the BBNJ Agreement.

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The treaty, which entered into force in January, aims to protect marine biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of marine resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the high seas and the international seabed area. Xiamen is competing with Brussels and Valparaiso to host the agreement's secretariat, with the final decision scheduled for January.

Dai Minhan, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and director of the Fujian Ocean Innovation Center, said areas beyond national jurisdiction cover roughly 43 percent of the Earth's surface and 64 percent of the ocean. However, less than 1 percent of these areas is currently under effective and comprehensive protection, he said, calling the situation deeply regrettable.

"The BBNJ Agreement is a truly great treaty," Dai said, adding that it represents a significant step toward reversing destructive trends in the oceans and restoring marine health. With 105 parties, the agreement is vital to addressing the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, as well as advancing global ocean-related goals, he said.

As one of the agreement's first signatories and parties, China has taken concrete steps to support its full and effective implementation, the report said.

Guided by the principle of harmony between people and the ocean, China has designated 150,000 square kilometers of marine areas as ecological red lines and established 353 marine protected areas. It has also carried out 194 major marine ecological restoration projects, becoming one of the few countries to achieve a net increase in mangrove areas.

China has also preserved nearly 60,000 samples of marine microbial resources in repositories such as the Marine Culture Collection of China and the China National Center for Bioinformation. The country shares these genetic resources and related data openly to facilitate global access, the report said.

Drawing on its experience in conducting environmental impact assessments for deep-sea mineral exploration, China is also well-positioned to help developing countries strengthen their assessment capabilities and promote environmentally sustainable marine activities, it added.

In terms of international cooperation, China has signed marine cooperation agreements with more than 50 countries and international organizations, jointly established over 40 research centers and implemented numerous small-scale but high-impact conservation projects to support countries in the Global South.

The report also highlighted China's efforts to build capacity in developing nations through the Chinese Government Marine Scholarship, which has trained 345 professionals from 47 countries.

China has also organized more than 300 specialized training courses, equipping 6,000 young scholars from developing countries with the knowledge and skills needed to implement the BBNJ Agreement.

By offering to host the agreement's secretariat in Xiamen, China is taking on further international responsibilities and helping address the absence of UN ocean-related institutional headquarters in Asia, the report said.

Contact the writers at zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn