Togo aims to strengthen its commitment to the environment by initiating the ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, a legally binding treaty adopted on June 19, 2023, by the United Nations, concerning the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
At a Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the government reviewed and adopted the draft law for ratifying the Agreement related to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
According to the Cabinet, the text is based on a “cautious and cooperative approach” to reinforce international governance of maritime spaces. It will later be submitted to Parliament for consideration and possible approval before proceeding through the remaining steps of the ratification process.
Towards New Green Financing Opportunities
For Togo, ratification will open up financial prospects, following its participation in the COP30 negotiations in Belém, Brazil, a few weeks earlier. The ratification process is expected to allow the country to benefit from funding mechanisms, including the Global Environment Facility, to support marine conservation and combat marine pollution.
Beyond environmental concerns, the agreement also contributes to structuring the blue economy, which is significant along West Africa’s coast. It provides for the creation of marine protected areas, equitable access to marine genetic resources, and the requirement for environmental impact assessments for activities in the high seas.
For Lomé, this represents a new opportunity to position itself as an actor aligned with international maritime governance standards, with potential long-term benefits for the fisheries, maritime transport, and international cooperation sectors.
Source: Togo First
