Iceland ratifies the BBNJ Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity beyond National Jurisdiction

Yesterday, Iceland deposited its instrument of ratification of the BBNJ Agreement with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in time for its upcoming entry into force on 17 January 2026. 

The Agreement, concluded under the purview of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, establishes a forum for States and other stakeholders to work together to attain the objective of conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. 

„As a long-standing proponent of the law of the sea, Iceland is proud to ratify the BBNJ Agreement, and we will work to deliver on its promise of a healthy ocean” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir. 

Iceland played an active role in the negotiations for the Agreement, which was adopted by consensus in 2023, and places emphasis on its effective operationalization across various ocean forums in which it participates. The completion of the ratification process ensures that Iceland will be able to participate in the operationalization of the BBNJ Agreement from the day it enters into force. 

The key step in the ratification process was the adoption by the Icelandic Parliament of a new legislative act bringing the rights and obligations prescribed under the BBNJ Agreement into Icelandic law. 

In addition to ratifying the Agreement, the Iceland also deposited a declaration regarding the choice of procedure for the settlement of disputes under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and its Implementing Agreements, including the BBNJ Agreement. The Convention’s requirement for the compulsory and binding settlement of disputes is a key pillar in delivering legal protection for activities in the ocean. In line with its support for the important role of international institutions in the peaceful settlement of disputes, Iceland affirmed its acceptance of the jurisdiction of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the International Court of Justice, in addition to the default arbitral procedure foreseen under the Convention.