By qsolis La Cartita (@LaCartita)
09/mar/2023
At the United Nations Headquarters in New York, delegates of the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) have reached an agreement on a legal framework to protect 30 per cent of the world’s oceans, fund marine conservation, and govern access to and use of marine genetic resources.
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, lauded the agreement as a success for multilateralism and the global fight for ocean welfare. He praised the commitment, adaptability and determination of the parties involved and acknowledged the contributions of civil society, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations and the scientific community.
The agreement, which took 16 years of effort to conclude, will protect 30% of international waters, promote marine conservation, and use of marine genetic resources, in addition to regulating access to them. This accord is vital in tackling the three major issues of climate change, species extinction, and pollution, and to reach the goals set by the UN for 2030.
The Secretary General looks forward to continuing to engage with all parties, who must work together to ensure a healthier, more resilient and productive ocean for present and future generations.