GLOBAL GOVERNANCE AND CONSERVATION OF MARINE BIODIVERSITY BEYOND NATIONAL JURISDICTION: CHALLENGES,OPPORTUNITIES, AND NIGERIA’S STAKE

Authors

  • Etheldred Woha
  • Nancy Akins Ekpoh

Keywords:

Marine biodiversity, High Seas Treaty, UNCLOS, BBNJ Governance, Ocean Conservation

Abstract

The conservation of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) is a pressing global
environmental issue. The high seas and deep seabed, which make up two-thirds of the ocean,
contain rich biodiversity yet remain vulnerable to exploitation and environmental degradation due
to weak governance structures. This article explores the challenges and opportunities associated
with global governance mechanisms for BBNJ, with a focus on Nigeria’s stake in this evolving
legal and policy landscape. It examines the recently adopted High Seas Treaty under the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its implications for Nigeria as a coastal
state with economic and strategic interests in marine resources.

Author Biographies

  • Etheldred Woha

    Etheldred Woha PhD (RSU), LL.M (RSU), LLB (ABU Zaria) BL, Senior Lecturer, Department of Private and
    Property Law, Faculty of Law, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

  • Nancy Akins Ekpoh

    Nancy Akins Ekpoh PhD (RSU), LL.M (RSU), LLB (NDU) BL, Lecturer, Department of Jurisprudence and
    International Law, Faculty of Law, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

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Published

2025-04-17

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY AWKA JOURNAL OF PRIVATE AND PROPERTY LAW

Section

Articles