The High Seas Treaty has won the 2025 Earthshot Prize, an annual award founded by the U.K.'s Prince William which celebrates innovative environmental programs.
The High Seas Treaty, also known as the United Nations Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), was ratified in September 2025 and will come into force in January 2026.
Its goal is to preserve marine biodiversity as an asset beyond national borders, including by officially protecting 30 percent of the world’s oceans.
High Seas Alliance Director Rebecca Hubbard accepted the award on behalf of her organization.
“By 2030, with the support of the Earthshot community, the High Seas Treaty will help ensure a healthy ocean and a stable climate that supports all life on the planet," she said. "Together, we will be able to protect biodiversity in the high seas, which cover half the planet, through a new network of marine protected areas, better management of industrial activities, and greater ocean equity.”
She also said that during challenging political times, the work of her organization would be to “turn [its] promise into action.”
Though the treaty has passed its United Nations' ratification threshold, it will only apply to member countries which have ratified it once it enters into force in January.
Hubbard called for further participation in her acceptance speech.
“We’d like to call on all communities, Indigenous peoples, scientists, government, and industry leaders everywhere to encourage all countries to swiftly ratify the treaty and to transform it from a signed piece of paper into a living, enforceable breathing commitment to protect the high seas for generations to come,” she said.
