On January 17, the world’s first global treaty aimed at protecting ocean life in international waters officially came into effect. This milestone was announced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which emphasized that the treaty establishes legally binding regulations for the sustainable use and management of marine resources in high seas beyond national jurisdiction.
Formerly known as the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), the treaty focuses on various critical aspects including marine genetic resources, the equitable sharing of benefits, and area-based management strategies such as marine protected areas. Additionally, it outlines the need for environmental impact assessments and promotes capacity-building alongside the transfer of marine technology.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed his support for the treaty, highlighting the collective effort of nations to create a framework for sustainable ocean management. “The world has demonstrated that countries can come together with a common vision and build a framework to manage the ocean sustainably while ensuring its benefits are shared fairly amongst all humanity,” he stated. He also reiterated the IMO’s commitment to facilitating the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement within its area of expertise.
The IMO has long championed stringent environmental, safety, and security regulations for ships traversing the world’s oceans, which are enforced throughout their journeys. The organization has created over 50 globally binding treaties aimed at promoting sustainable shipping practices. Instruments such as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution by Ships (MARPOL), and the International Ballast Water Management Convention play essential roles in the conservation of marine biodiversity.
Moreover, a new legally binding framework targeting biofouling on ships is in the works to minimize the spread of invasive aquatic species, further demonstrating the IMO’s commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems.
Since its adoption in June 2023, the BBNJ Agreement has garnered ratification from over 80 nations, including Fiji, which signed the agreement in September 2023. This action underscores Fiji’s steadfast commitment to ocean conservation and responsible management of marine resources.
With the advent of this treaty, there is a renewed hope for the protection of the oceans, fostering international cooperation, and ensuring that the benefits of marine resources are shared equitably among all nations.
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