‘The High Seas Treaty will open up unprecedented opportunities for Vietnam’

The Agreement implementing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in waters beyond national jurisdiction, also known as the “High Seas Treaty”, comes into force today.

“The effective agreement opens up unprecedented opportunities and space for cooperation for Vietnam in marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable development of the marine economy,” Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu said in an interview published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the same day.

The High Seas Treaty also creates favorable conditions for Vietnam to strengthen international cooperation, access knowledge, data and advanced technology, thereby improving marine scientific research capacity, management and protection of the marine environment.

“This is an important opportunity for Vietnamese scientists to substantially participate in research activities, access and share benefits from marine genetic resources in international waters and deep seabed, contributing to promoting a modern marine economic model, based on science and innovation,” Mr. Vu said.

Vietnam signed the High Seas Treaty from the first day, completed approval procedures and deposited the ratification document on June 9, 2025.

“Becoming one of the member countries early on has demonstrated Vietnam’s strong commitment and responsibility to protect the seas and oceans, conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity,” Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu said.

The High Seas Treaty currently has 145 signatory countries and 81 member countries. This is the first comprehensive legal framework to regulate activities related to marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, a space that accounts for about 61% of the world’s oceans and 43% of the Earth’s surface.

The document has special significance when it first affirms the application of the principle of “common heritage of mankind” to biodiversity resources in areas outside national jurisdiction. The Agreement creates a mechanism for equitable sharing of benefits between countries, creating conditions for developing countries to participate more substantially in research, conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity.

“The adoption and entry into force of the High Seas Treaty not only demonstrates the common aspirations and determination of the international community to strengthen management and protection of the ocean, but also affirms the important role of multilateral mechanisms in promoting cooperation to solve global problems on the basis of international law, strengthening the legal order at sea with the foundation of UNCLOS,” Mr. Vu said.

As a member, Vietnam will deeply participate in mechanisms related to the four pillars of the High Seas Treaty, including access and equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources; establish and manage marine protected areas; assess the environmental impact of activities in waters beyond national jurisdiction and build capacity and transfer marine technology.

As a developing country, Vietnam will also reflect the voices and legitimate interests of countries with limited capacity, as well as countries greatly affected by climate change, ensuring compliance with UNCLOS.