What's Happening?
China has formally nominated Xiamen, a city in Fujian province, to host the secretariat for the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond
National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). This nomination was made just before the agreement came into force on January 17, 2026. Xiamen is competing against Brussels, nominated by Belgium, and Valparaiso, nominated by Chile. The BBNJ Agreement, adopted on June 19, 2023, after 19 years of negotiations, applies to the high seas and international seabed area, covering two-thirds of global ocean coverage. It focuses on marine genetic resources, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and capacity-building. Yi Xianliang, special envoy for BBNJ Secretariat Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that hosting the secretariat in China would advance the UN’s ocean-related sustainable development goals and leverage China’s experience in marine ecosystem protection and deep-sea activities. China also pledged $3 million to a voluntary trust fund and will contribute to a special fund to support capacity-building for the agreement's implementation.
Why It's Important?
The decision on the BBNJ Secretariat's location carries significant geopolitical and environmental implications. The BBNJ Agreement itself is crucial for establishing a fairer and more equitable international maritime order, particularly in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which are vital for global marine biodiversity. China's bid to host the secretariat in Xiamen highlights its growing influence in global ocean governance and its commitment to multilateralism. If Xiamen is chosen, it could shift the geographical distribution of international institutions, as most UN bodies are currently located in Europe and the Americas. This move could increase the representation and influence of developing countries and the Global South in international decision-making processes related to ocean conservation. The host city will play a central role in coordinating the agreement's implementation, including capacity-building and technology transfer, which are critical for developing nations to participate effectively in marine conservation efforts.
What's Next?
The decision on the seat of the BBNJ Agreement secretariat will be made at the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement, scheduled for January 2027. Leading up to this decision, China, Belgium, and Chile will likely continue to advocate for their respective nominated cities, Xiamen, Brussels, and Valparaiso. The selection process will involve evaluating each city's proposed facilities, logistical support, and strategic advantages. China has already prepared a fully equipped 15-story office building and two supporting buildings in Xiamen, offered free of charge, to ensure immediate operational readiness. The outcome of this decision will determine the operational hub for global efforts to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, influencing the direction and effectiveness of the BBNJ Agreement's implementation for decades to come.
Beyond the Headlines
The competition to host the BBNJ Secretariat extends beyond mere logistical considerations; it reflects a broader struggle for influence in global governance and the shaping of international norms. China's emphasis on Xiamen's maritime heritage, environmental record, and research capabilities, coupled with its financial contributions, underscores its ambition to be a leading voice in ocean sustainability. The argument that hosting the secretariat in Asia would make global governance more balanced and inclusive, particularly for the Global South, highlights the ongoing discussions about equitable representation in international bodies. The BBNJ Agreement itself represents a significant step in international law, addressing the conservation of marine biodiversity in areas previously lacking comprehensive governance. The choice of secretariat location will not only impact the practical implementation of the agreement but also symbolize the evolving power dynamics and priorities within the international community regarding environmental stewardship and multilateral cooperation.
