Big Ocean States Leading the Way: Transitioning from Exemplars to Leaders in Ocean Governance

Abstract for Scopus Indexing: State coalitions and non-governmental organizations ( NGO s) play crucial roles in international negotiations on ocean governance. They foster cooperation, provide expertise, advocate for interests, and bring diverse perspectives to encourage equitable and sustainable outcomes. Small Island Developing States ( SIDS ) is an internationally recognized designation for States with structural characteristics unique enough to be considered “special circumstances.” SIDS , which are particularly reliant on healthy marine ecosystems, have an inseparable fate from the ocean and see themselves as one with this global commons. SIDS have been leaders in negotiating and ratifying the pending international agreement on the biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction ( BBNJ Agreement). Within SIDS , the emerging label of Large Ocean State or Big Ocean State ( BOS ) offers a new lens to reassess and build relationships among ocean actors for the collective good. SIDS , many of which also identify as BOS , have been exemplars in several major international environmental regimes. We argue that the BBNJ Agreement provides a platform for these States to consolidate their ocean governance leadership and increase their influence. We conducted structured interviews with 19 BBNJ Agreement negotiators and observers to capture their insights on the Agreement’s negotiations. From these, we distil four recommendations for SIDS and their partners to improve ocean governance: 1) Advance the BOS label within SIDS to unite over shared challenges and leverage common assets; 2) Protect the BBNJ Agreement’s complete “package” as critical to SIDS ’ priorities; 3) Strengthen and clarify SIDS ’ relationships with environmental NGO s; and 4) Emphasize the shared stewardship of all nations for ocean governance. The BBNJ Agreement can empower all its parties to be ocean governance leaders to achieve its goals. If adequately supported, SIDS , particularly BOS , can be greater positive drivers in the negotiation and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.