How to realise the opportunities for small island developing states under the BBNJ Agreement
The UN's Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the 'high-seas treaty', provides a framework for equitable access to, and sustainable management of, marine resources in areas of the ocean beyond national territory. As significant stakeholders, small island developing states (SIDS) stand to benefit greatly from the agreement. But first they must overcome challenges related to ratification, capacity-building and implementation.
Participants at this 'How to' session strategised how to help SIDS maximise the potential of the BBNJ agreement, with a particular focus on the ratification process. Discussions explored how to resolve obstacles preventing broader adoption of the treaty and how to develop incentives or mechanisms that can drive ratification among non-signatory SIDS. The workshop focused on how to transpose the agreement's provisions into national frameworks and how to create capacity-building programmes to support asset-sharing, utilise marine genetic resources efficiently and incorporate environmental impact assessments.
The session examined funding models, international partnerships and the integration of traditional knowledge into marine governance. Attendees left with an understanding of the steps needed to encourage the ratification and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement and unlock its benefits for SIDS.
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Reuters
a day ago
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