United Nations Adopts Landmark Agreement on Marine Biodiversity
New York, USA- June 21, 2023. Following almost two decades of negotiations, United Nations members adopted a landmark treaty on June 19 at the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Conference on an international legally binding instrument 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. Referred to as the “BBNJ Treaty” or “High Seas Treaty”, the international agreement brings together the international community under a legally-binding common governance framework to sustainably manage marine genetic resources. The agreement will be opened for ratification from 20 September of this year.
The adoption of the BBNJ Treaty marks a significant step forward in the international community's efforts to protect and conserve marine biodiversity in the global commons, which includes the high seas and the international seabed area regulated by the International Seabed Authority. WCPFC's Finance and Administrative Manager, Mr. Aaron Nighswander, attended the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Conference in New York, reflecting the WCPFC's commitment to sustainable management and conservation of marine resources. WCPFC’s participation at the Conference underscored the importance of collective efforts to address the relevant governance frameworks required to promote responsible marine resource management in areas beyond national jurisdiction, or the high seas.
"The WCPFC Secretariat commends all stakeholders that participated in the negotiations that led to the adoption of the BBNJ Treaty," said Rhea Moss-Christian, Executive Director of the WCPFC. "This achievement reflects our collective commitment to preserving the health and sustainability of our oceans for future generations."
For further information, please contact: wcpfc@wcpfc.int
About WCPFC
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) is one of five global tuna regional fisheries management organizations, responsible for the conservation and sustainable use of highly migratory fish stocks, particularly tuna, in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. Established in 2004, the WCPFC comprises 34 member countries and territories, and seven cooperating-non-members dedicated to promoting the sustainable management of the world’s largest tuna fishery. The WCPFC Secretariat is headquartered in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.