Un High Seas Treaty

4/18/23, 2:33 PM UN delegates reach historic agreement on protecting marine biodiversity in international waters | UN News
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UN delegates reach historic agreement on

protecting marine biodiversity in international
waters
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5 March 2023 Law and Crime Prevention
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/03/1134157 1/8
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Secretary-General António Guterres has congratulated UN member countries for

finalizing a text to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological
diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, calling it a “breakthrough” after nearly
two decades of talks.
“This action is a victory for multilateralism and for global efforts to counter the destructive
trends facing ocean health, now and for generations to come,” said the UN chief in a statement
issued by his Spokesperson late Saturday evening just hours after the deal was struck at UN
Headquarters in New York, where tough negotiations on the draft treaty have been under way
for the past two weeks.
The agreement reached by delegates of the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity

of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, better known by its acronym BBNJ , is the culmination
of UN-facilitated talks that began in 2004.
UN Biodiversity
@UNBiodiversity · Follow
#HighSeasTreaty #BBNJ
David Cooper @hdavidcooper

Congratulations to Conf. President Rena Lee and all delegations on the
successful conclusion of negotiations for a new agreement under
UNCLOS on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. #BBNJ. A
major boost to implement the KM #GBF in the ocean.
10:59 PM · Mar 4, 2023
73 Reply Share
Already being referred to as the ‘High Seas Treaty’, the legal framework would put more money
into marine conservation and covers access to and use of marine genetic resources.
Through his Spokesperson, Mr. Guterres said the treaty is crucial for addressing the triple
planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
“It is also vital for achieving ocean-related goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework ,” said the statement,
referring to the so-called ‘30 by 30 ’ pledge to protect 30 per cent of the planet’s lands and
inland waters, as well as of marine and coastal areas, by 2030 made by a historic UN conference
in Montreal this past December.
Noting that the BBNJ decision builds on the legacy of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS ), the Secretary-General commended all parties for their ambition, flexibility and
perseverance, and saluted Ambassador Rena Lee, of Singapore, for her leadership and dedication.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the ship has reached the shore ,” Ms. Lee said last night, announcing
the agreement to an extended standing ovation in the meeting room. Delegations will reconvene
later to formally adopt the text.
The statement issued by the UN Spokesperson said the Secretary-General also recognized the
critical support of non-governmental organizations, civil society, academic institutions and the
scientific community.
“He looks forward to continuing working with all parties to secure a healthier, more resilient, and
more productive ocean, benefiting current and future generations,” the statement concluded.
Reacting on Twitter, Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly,
also congratulated the delegates and Ms. Lee for reaching consensus on a global legal
framework for the high seas.
“This is a massive success for multilateralism. An example of the transformation our world needs
and the people we serve demand,” he added.

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4/18/23, 2:33 PM UN delegates reach historic agreement on protecting marine biodiversity in international waters | UN News

Welcome to the United Nations Language

AUDIO HUB SUBSCRIBE

UN delegates reach historic agreement on

5 March 2023 Law and Crime Prevention

Welcome to the United Nations

Secretary-General António Guterres has congratulated UN member countries for

The agreement reached by delegates of the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity

David Cooper @hdavidcooper

10:59 PM · Mar 4, 2023

Welcome to the United Nations

♦ Receive daily updates directly in your inbox - Subscribe here to a topic.

♦ Download the UN News app for your iOS or Android devices.

Welcome to the United Nations

Promoting gender equality a ‘crucial contribution’ in effort to

FROM THE FIELD: Plastic pollution choking world’s oceans

NEWS TRACKER: PAST STORIES ON THIS ISSUE

Welcome to the United Nations

UN conference concludes with ‘historic’ deal to protect a third of

Welcome to the United Nations

‘Let’s all become the champions the ocean needs’ – UN chief

Navigate the News

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