Cali, October 30, 2024 – Attendees at the COP16 plenary session celebrated with great applause the approval of the global agreement to identify and conserve ecologically significant marine areas in international waters after eight years of rigorous negotiations.
This consensus marks a significant advancement in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and strengthens global governance of the oceans. The decision seeks to facilitate the conservation of marine biodiversity while respecting the rights and jurisdictions of states, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
A group composed of experts from various regions worldwide will be established to identify and describe Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs) based on scientific criteria.
During the announcement, COP16 President Susana Muhamad hailed the agreement as a major first step towards the conference's objectives:: “The commitment we have made today embodies the spirit of cooperation and responsibility that drives COP16. This agreement will enable us to protect key areas for the planet, ensuring that the oceans, our great climate regulators and source of life, have a strong and global defense”.
Backed by delegates from various regions, this agreement establishes an innovative scientific and technical process for identifying Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs). This promotes the protection of essential species and ecosystems in international waters, beyond the jurisdiction of any single country.
In the coming days, the Advisory Group will establish voluntary scientific review guidelines to ensure transparency in the identification of areas of ecological interest.

After a very long day of negotiations that ended in the early hours of October 31, the president of the COP16, Susana Muhamad, officially approved the agreement on the protection of key marine areas for ecological conservation and biodiversity protection, considered by many as a significant advance and an achievement of this COP.
This marks the first major agreement reached at COP16 among countries, aimed at identifying and conserving ecologically significant marine areas in international waters, thereby strengthening global governance over the oceans.
Highlights of the Agreement about marine areas
- Creation of an International Advisory Group: This group, composed of global experts, will oversee the identification and updating of EBSAs, coordinating conservation efforts in international zones.
- Recognition of the Technical Nature of the Process: The description of these areas will be conducted exclusively under scientific and technical criteria, with no implications for territorial sovereignty, maintaining neutrality and respect among nations.
- Inclusive Participation: Active participation from Indigenous peoples, local communities, women, and youth will be promoted in analyses and decision-making, integrating essential traditional knowledge.
- International Funding: Supported by countries such as Germany, Belgium, Canada, Norway, and Sweden, scientific and technical workshops will convene scientists and community representatives to refine the descriptions of EBSAs.
- Extension of the Advisory Group's Mandate: The mandate of this group has been extended to ensure an appropriate focus on marine conservation.
- Commitment to International Legal Framework: The role of the UN General Assembly in the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction is reaffirmed, promoting a more sustainable and collaborative future.
The agreement promotes the active participation of Indigenous peoples, local communities, and other groups in the conservation process, supported by funding from countries such as Germany, Canada, and Sweden for scientific and technical workshops.