The Pacific region is entering a crucial moment in ocean governance as the landmark Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, covering nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans, moves from ratification to implementation.
Olive Vaai, a Samoan ocean advocate and Oceania Pacific Regional Coordinator for the High Seas Alliance, highlighted the significance of the shift during the 2025 State of the Ocean: Unpacking the Year in Ocean Threats and Successes webinar. “What stands out for the Pacific Ocean in 2025 is the BBNJ agreement, as this is the point where global ambition is being tested against practical realities,” Vaai said.
