Filimon Manoni, the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, has expressed his excitement over the activation of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, which officially came into force yesterday. He hailed this event as a monumental achievement in the governance of international oceans and a demonstration of Pacific leadership.
In his remarks, Dr. Manoni described the commencement of the BBNJ Agreement as “an auspicious occasion and a triumph in our united efforts on oceans management and governance.” He underscored the lengthy two-decade negotiations that culminated in the agreement, emphasizing the proactive and influential role played by Pacific nations throughout the process.
The BBNJ Agreement, which operates under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, aims to conserve and sustainably utilize marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdictions. Adopted on June 19, 2023, it stands as the third implementing agreement under UNCLOS. Dr. Manoni noted that this marks the establishment of a binding legal framework designed for the governance of marine biodiversity in often-overlooked global regions.
Key aspects of the BBNJ Agreement include marine genetic resources, equitable benefit sharing, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and the transfer of marine technology. Its overarching goal is to safeguard and sustainably manage marine biological diversity for the benefit of both current and future generations.
Highlighting the leadership of Pacific nations, Dr. Manoni pointed out the Federated States of Micronesia as the first UN member state to sign the agreement, while Palau became the first country to ratify it. To date, eight Pacific nations have ratified the treaty, contributing to a total of 145 signatories and 83 parties to the BBNJ Agreement. Dr. Manoni called for strengthened efforts to broaden the treaty’s global reach, emphasizing the necessity of true universal participation.
He also shared that the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) has been tasked by Pacific Islands Forum leaders to lead regional initiatives related to the treaty. OPOC has organized national workshops and regional meetings and is providing vital policy support across the region.
While celebrating this landmark achievement, Dr. Manoni acknowledged that significant work remains. He stressed the need to establish effective groundwork for participation in the treaty’s implementation. The OPOC, in collaboration with regional partners, is committed to supporting Pacific members in this ambitious endeavor. Ultimately, the BBNJ Agreement is anticipated to align with the Forum Leaders’ vision of managing 100 percent of the Pacific Ocean, both within and beyond national jurisdictions.
This occasion signifies a meaningful advancement in the conservation of marine biodiversity and instills hope for future generations who will reap the rewards of sustainable ocean resource management. Such developments reflect a strong commitment to preserving the health of ocean ecosystems, crucial for the overall well-being of our planet.