The Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, which entered into force in January 2026, is a legal framework for conserving and sustainably exploiting marine biodiversity outside national jurisdictions. It supplements the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
By becoming one of the first countries to ratify the BBNJ Agreement in June 2025, Vietnam demonstrated its commitment to international law and cooperation in ocean governance. Enforcing the agreement matches Vietnam’s development interests and goals.
Alignment with Vietnam’s marine economic strategy
Vietnam’s Resolution 36 on the Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Marine Economy to 2030, with a vision to 2045, sets the goal of making Vietnam a strong, prosperous maritime nation and calls for the rational use of marine resources, protection of the marine environment, and expanded international cooperation.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thanh Ca, former director of the Vietnam Institute of Seas and Islands Research, said: “The BBNJ Agreement enables developing countries to share knowledge with more developed countries to support marine conservation and sustainable development. It also allows countries like Vietnam to incorporate the agreement’s provisions into domestic law. Technologies transferred through this framework can be applied, not only beyond national jurisdiction, but also in Vietnam’s own waters, helping us conserve marine resources and develop the marine economy more sustainably.”
The BBNJ Agreement creates new opportunities for cooperation with direct implications for Vietnam’s development. Conserving marine biodiversity means safeguarding resources for the blue economy, and research into marine genetic resources can open up opportunities in science, technology, and emerging economic sectors.
Assoc. Prof. and Dr. of Marine Biology Vo Sy Tuan said: “Sustainable development means that we must benefit from the sea. International cooperation is indispensable because marine issues must be addressed jointly with other countries. We need to take the initiative in contributing to and participating in international activities, while sharing resources and information. This will enable us to access resources from international partners and work together to address cross-border challenges, such as establishing transboundary marine protected areas.”
Protecting international legal order at sea
Vietnam’s engagement in ocean governance predates the BBNJ Agreement. It has actively promoted the 1982 UNCLOS as the legal framework for ocean governance, is a founding member of the Group of Friends of UNCLOS, and in 2025 served as President of the 35th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS (SPLOS 35).
Vietnam’s early ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, together with the election of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thị Lan Anh as a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for the 2026–2035 term, mark Vietnam’s growing role in ocean governance.
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird said: "I think Vietnam's commitment and engagement was recognized with the recent election of Dr. Lan Anh as a judge on the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea. It's a really important and prestigious appointment. First time there's been a Vietnamese judge on that tribunal, and we were delighted to support and to see that take place."
Lewe Paul, Head of the Vietnam Office of a German political foundation called Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, said: "Professor Lan Anh's election is a remarkable achievement, not only a personal and professional success, but also an important recognition of Vietnam's growing contribution to the development and implementation of international law of the sea. Her election also reminds us of the importance of investing in expertise, institutions, and people. International agreements can only become effective when there are capable institutions, qualified experts, and committed professionals who can translate international norms into practice."
By helping to shape international rules and participating in their implementation, Vietnam is linking its international responsibilities with its national development interests, working toward the goal of becoming a strong, prosperous maritime nation.
