BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – Belize says it has become the first Caribbean country to officially ratify the groundbreaking ocean biodiversity agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement.
The global commitment to safeguard 30 percent of the ocean by 2030 hinges significantly on implementing the BBNJ agreement, which spans two-thirds of the world’s oceans.
The BBNJ Treaty’s objective is to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction for the present and long term through effective implementation of the relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea.
“This agreement is designed to promote the conservation and sustainable utilization of marine biodiversity, presenting opportunities for deep-sea research, capacity building, and the development and transfer of marine technology, particularly beneficial for small developing countries like Belize,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said in a statement.
Belize’s ratification now sets the pace for the Caribbean’s engagement.
The statement said, “The nation is actively collaborating with other Caribbean Community member states to raise awareness and build momentum for regional participation.” It added that a two-day workshop will be held in the Caribbean next month.
The statement said that the April 11-12 event will further bolster the region’s efforts towards ratification, with Belize also slated to host a Caribbean BBNJ workshop later in the year.
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