Fiji Under Pressure: Will the BBNJ Agreement Make Waves?

Regional partners are calling on Fiji to expedite its ratification of the BBNJ Agreement amid progress by other Pacific nations in fulfilling their commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The BBNJ Agreement, adopted on June 19, 2023, focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

In an effort to strengthen the understanding and implementation of the agreement, Samoa is currently hosting a national workshop. This initiative, led by the Government of Samoa in collaboration with the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), aims to clarify the roles of various stakeholders and align existing policies with the agreement’s objectives.

IUCN Oceania Regional Director Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago emphasized the critical role of the BBNJ framework for the Pacific, highlighting concerns over overexploited marine ecosystems and the impacts of climate change. She called for enhanced collaboration to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdictions.

The ongoing discussions underscore that ratification of the BBNJ Agreement is only the start; effective governance will require comprehensive implementation that actively involves scientists, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities in developing ocean management policies. Dr. Filimon Manoni, the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, has acknowledged the importance of Samoa’s leadership in fostering regional cooperation and noted that other nations, such as the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Kiribati, are taking steps towards ratification.

This movement towards regional collaboration is promising, indicating a collective commitment to sustainability and improved ocean governance. By actively engaging all sectors of society, Pacific nations are fostering hope for healthier marine ecosystems that are crucial for their communities’ livelihoods. The dialogues and partnerships being established may pave the way for more resilient ocean governance, ensuring future generations can benefit from these vital resources.