Historic agreement to protect the world's oceans
Spain hails accord as UN delegates reach a ‘breakthrough’ after nearly two decades of talks
UNITED Nations Secretary General António Guterres has congratulated UN member countries for finalising a text to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.
“This action is a victory for multilateralism and for global efforts to counter the destructive trends facing ocean health, now and for generations to come,” said the UN chief in a statement issued on Saturday evening just hours after the deal was struck in New York, where tough negotiations on the draft treaty have been under way for the past two weeks.
The agreement reached by delegates of the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, better known by its acronym BBNJ, is the culmination of UN-facilitated talks that began in 2004. Already being referred to as the ‘High Seas Treaty’, the legal framework would place 30% of the world’s oceans into protected areas by 2030, as well as putting more money into marine conservation. It also
covers access to and use of marine genetic resources.
The negotiations had been held up for years over disagreements on funding and fishing rights.
Spain’s minster for the ecological transition, Teresa Ribera hailed the accord.
She said: “At last we have an agreement to protect biodiversity
which goes beyond territorial waters.
“This has taken too many years.”
Through his spokesperson, Mr Guterres said the treaty is crucial for addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
“It is also vital for achieving ocean-related goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,” he said.
He was referring to the socalled ‘30x30’ pledge to protect a third of the world's biodiversity – on land and sea – by 2030 made by a historic UN conference in Montreal in December.
Noting that the BBNJ decision builds on the legacy of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Secretary General commended all parties for their ambition, flexibility and perseverance, and saluted Ambassador Rena Lee, of Singapore, for her leadership and dedication.
Mr Guterres also recognised the critical support of non-governmental organisations, civil society, academic institutions and the scientific community.
He said he ‘looks forward to continuing working with all parties to secure a healthier, more resilient, and more productive ocean, benefiting current and future generations’.
Reacting on Twitter, Csaba Korosi, president of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, also congratulated the delegates and Ms Lee for reaching consensus on a global legal framework for the high seas.
“This is a massive success for multilateralism,” he said.
“An example of the transformation our world needs and the people we serve demand.”