In a momentous event, Foreign Affairs Minister Alberto van Klaveren joined President Gabriel Boric to sign the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
Environment Minister Maisa Rojas also participated in this historic signing, which took place at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. It marks the culmination of a decade of intense negotiations.
Chile as stakeholder in the agreement for the conservation of marine biodiversity
Chile played an active role during the negotiation process by promoting ambitious goals and coordinating effectively with regional and sectoral stakeholders with an interest in the high seas.
“We believe that this treaty is a crucial achievement for international law and the protection of the oceans. Among other things, without the BBNJ it would be almost impossible to meet the 30x30 goal, which consists of protecting at least 30% of all terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2030,” Alberto van Klaveren, Foreign Affairs Minister.
Chile’s active participation has highlighted the importance of this treaty for international law and the protection of our oceans.
What is the goal of the BBNJ Agreement?
The BBNJ Agreement aims to strengthen ocean governance, and develop policies for conserving and sustaining marine biodiversity, including marine protected areas on the high seas.
The agreement also promotes the sustainable use of marine genetic resources and assesses environmental impacts, as well as the equitable distribution of benefits, thus ensuring that developing countries also profit.
International Commitment to Marine Conservation
Minister Maisa Rojas highlighted that the BBNJ Treaty represents a crucial milestone for protecting oceans and their ecosystems throughout the world. She invited all countries to commit to effectively implementing the treaty.
“Thanks to the signing made today by President Boric, we join the international community in promoting this treaty and call on all countries to commit to effectively implementing it,” Maisa Rojas, Environment Minister.
The signing of this international agreement demonstrates Chile’s commitment to preserving our marine ecosystems and responsibly managing the oceans.
Towards global ratification of the BBNJ Agreement
The BBNJ requires ratification by 60 countries for it to come into force. Many countries, including small developing island states and the European Union, have shown their support for this to happen as soon as possible.
Protecting an underwater treasure: the Nazca Ridge
Minister van Klaveren underlined the opportunity that the BBNJ Agreement represents for Chile in protecting key ocean areas, such as the Nazca Ridge. The ridge is located off the South American coast and hosts one of the highest levels of endemism in the world.
This area plays a fundamental role in species reproduction in the South Pacific.
Chile as host of the BBNJ Secretariat
In line with Chile’s foreign policy prioritizing ocean conservation, the country has presented a proposal to host the BBNJ Secretariat in Valparaíso.
This would expedite the implementation of the agreement and ensure that management of the new marine conservation structures is based in the Global South.
Promoting adoption of the BBNJ Agreement
The high-level “High Ambition for the High Seas” event, in which the Foreign Affairs Minister participated, drew attention to the importance and transversality of the BBNJ Agreement.
It also aimed to make a declaration that would encourage the early adoption of the treaty.
The signing of this treaty represents a firm commitment to conserving marine biodiversity and protecting our oceans throughout the world.