Jeremy Raguain grew up in Sehechelles, an island development state with a vast ocean territory that has developed a deep dependence on marine ecosystems and a strong passion for marine conservation. Since graduating from Columbia University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA-ESP) in May 2024, he has played a vital role in the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Offices of the International Nature Reserve.
His work focuses on accelerating the ratification and implementation of biodiversity outside the National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, which aims to ensure sustainable use and conservation of marine biodiversity in areas outside of national jurisdiction.
In this interview, Raguain shared insights from his current work, namely the experience of the 16th session of the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), and how Colombia shapes his path.
You have recently participated in COP16 of the Colombian Cali Convention on Biological Diversity. What are your key points?
The COP16 Convention of the Convention on Biological Diversity feels differently compared to the UN Framework Convention on COP 27 of Climate Change, especially in terms of financial negotiations. There is growing awareness that the funding sources for biodiversity conservation, adaptation and conservation are shrinking rather than expanding. This leads to a focus on finding “win-win” solutions, such as conservation of mangroves, which can drive progress and produce synergies in Nexus, known as marine climate biodiversity. The conservation of mangroves can simultaneously contribute to a nationwidely determined contribution to a country under the Paris Agreement, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, in accordance with the Convention on Biological Diversity and multiple Sustainable Development Goals.
Another key topic of discussion is recognition of important ecologically and biologically important areas, which is crucial to ensuring our global recognition of marine protected areas, including states within national territory and areas outside of national jurisdiction. However, financial commitments to ensure biodiversity conservation were heated debates, and donor countries, especially in the EU, considered financing for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This financial uncertainty is particularly evident in the discussion around the Digital Serial Information Fund, where benefits obtained from genetic resources are shared equitably, especially for welfare in developing countries and the global South. From where I sat there, it seemed impossible to achieve these ambitious financial goals without substantial structural changes.
COP16 highlights the importance of strengthening marine biodiversity protection and improving global marine governance. How do you work at the IUCN Regional Offices in East and Southern Africa Contributing to these efforts?
I joined IUCN ESARO in November as a senior program officer, mainly from a law and action I helped translate the BBNJ protocol through the Great Blue Wall initiative to be in Eastern and Southern Africa. The initiative aims to protect marine resources through marine protected areas, while also empowering local communities by enhancing sustainable fishery value chains and creating more economic opportunities through ecotourism and related activities. Our coastal and marine resilience programs cover Eastern and Southern Africa, from Somalia to South Africa and Angola, and many island countries, with a total of 24 projects. My work focuses on advancing the approval and implementation of the BBNJ protocol.
What makes BBNJ so important?
The protocol is crucial because it modifies access to marine genetic resources, establishes processes for creating region-based management tools such as marine protected areas and environmental impact assessments, while also improving the capacity of developing countries. Although this is the third implementation agreement of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, it is the first to focus on biodiversity found in international waters, and although it promotes geopolitics, it promotes global cooperation in ocean governance and is therefore hailed as a great achievement.
Of the 11 African coastal countries I have worked with, two have been ratified, and my goal is to ensure that the government is notified and supported when it ratifies and begins the implementation of what is called a “one treaty.” This is achieved through partnerships and interactions with governments, regional organizations, NGOs, science communities and other stakeholders.
What are the biggest challenges and rewards of working on marine conservation and international environmental agreements?
One of the biggest challenges is the bureaucratic complexity across regional and international organizations and various government entities, each with its own policies and procedures. Many governments have been flooded with existing multilateral environmental agreements, so it is difficult to prioritize the BBNJ agreement. Political unrest in certain countries such as Mozambique also complicates environmental policy participation. Success in this area requires a deep understanding of political dynamics and the ability to align protection efforts with national priorities.
At the same time, one of the most meaningful aspects of my work is the provision of technical and strategic support for countries that may lack interaction with these complex international agreements. It makes great sense to help countries browse policy frameworks and ensure necessary resources. Seeing a country not only ratify the agreement, but also strengthen its capacity to implement meaningful protection efforts, makes this work worthwhile.
In addition to your policy work, you also engage in research. Can you tell us about your connection with the Sara Tjossem project?
Last January, I started Thesem’s research as an independent researcher. Given that I participated in negotiations on the BBNJ agreement, as a climate and ocean consultant for the permanent mission of Seychelles, and related to the joint and alliance alliances of fellow island states, we conducted surveys of about 20 negotiators and observers, mainly from developing island countries, but also from NGOs and other countries. The purpose of this study is to address how policymakers evaluate the interests and trade-offs of the BBNJ agreement and to provide advice to policy makers in developing island countries on how to ratify and implement this agreement.
Growing up in Seychelles, I understood the key to geo-economic and environmental security. This understanding shapes my research, which has expanded into multiple papers. I am the first of the lead writers to be released in “Ocean Yearbook 39” released in mid-2025. I am also committed to two other papers on the approval and implementation of the agreement. The job search period between graduation and starting my current position has allowed me to devote myself to consulting and writing, and I am very happy to see how this work informs policy discussions.
How does the MPA-ESP program prepare for your career?
The ESP workshop was an outstanding experience. It is structured like a real-world office environment that provides you with valuable insights into how the team works. This is a good space for self-reflection and professional development.
Other key experiences include a climate law workshop with Michael Gerrard, which provides insights into legal activism and policy enforcement and becomes an assistant to the graduate-level course in climate justice theory, practice and Sheila Foster. The hydrology and environmental policy courses are also particularly useful in shaping my approach to bridge the gap between policy makers and scientists.
What advice do you have for MPA-ESP students who are currently interested in environmental policy, conservation or careers in international organizations?
Utilizing Colombia’s network – experts, classmates and research centers can all be valuable links. But don’t just touch the network from a professional perspective; real relationships will provide the most meaningful opportunity.
Additionally, recognizing that international environmental policy is often conceptual and bureaucratic, but this does not mean that change has not happened. Sometimes the most influential work is not visible, but the connections you promote behind the scenes, such as connecting activists with lawyers and scientists with funders. Ultimately, building strong connections and proactive protection is key. I hope to see future ESP graduates drive innovative solutions in global environmental governance.
