A historic milestone for the ocean, the BBNJ Agreement is now in force. How can it be translated into practice? From 13 to 17 July 2026, the IOC co-organized a training in Busan, Republic of Korea, to strengthen Member States’ capacity to implement the BBNJ Agreement across the Asia-Pacific region. Bringing together 26 ocean professionals from 18 countries across Asia and the Pacific, the training is an important first step towards the practical implementation of the Agreement. Participants explored what Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs) could look like and how they could be developed and applied across the region. Through practical exercises, case studies, and group discussions, participants gained: ✅ Skills in biodiversity-inclusive and climate-smart marine spatial planning. ✅ Tools and approaches for using biodiversity and climate data in ocean planning. ✅ Knowledge of how to develop ABMT proposals for areas beyond national jurisdiction. ✅ Connections with peers and expert...