Canada Celebrates Successful Conclusion of Marine Biodiversity Treaty Negotiations

Strategic Insights -

The Government of Canada is proud to announce the successful conclusion of negotiations on a legally binding treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). The treaty, reached through negotiations that took place from February 20 to March 4, 2023, at the Intergovernmental Conference on BBNJ in New York, marks a significant step forward for environmental sustainability and the conservation of marine biological diversity.

The Canadian government sees this agreement as a major achievement, with Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly stating that it will enable the development of integrated, holistic approaches to ocean conservation, including the implementation of strong, effective, and practical measures to protect biodiversity. This treaty will be critical in improving the health and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond national jurisdiction. Canada's commitment to protecting its oceans and marine areas is a point of pride for Canadians, and the country will continue to work with international partners to promote a bluer, cleaner, and more sustainable world.

Key Takeaways:

  • The negotiations on the BBNJ treaty were held from February 20 to March 4, 2023, at the Intergovernmental Conference on BBNJ in New York.
  • The treaty is a legally binding agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.
  • The Canadian government played a pivotal role in getting countries to agree to reverse the decline in biodiversity and to commit to protecting the world's oceans.
  • The BBNJ agreement will enable the development of integrated, holistic approaches to ocean conservation, including the implementation of strong, effective, and practical measures to protect biodiversity.
  • The treaty will be critical in improving the health and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond national jurisdiction.
  • Canada's oceans are essential to the country's economy and to Canadians' livelihoods across the country.
  • The Canadian government will continue to work with international partners to promote a bluer, cleaner, and more sustainable world.

Statistics:

  • The negotiations on the BBNJ treaty took place from February 20 to March 4, 2023.
  • 30% of the world's oceans are to be protected by 2030, as committed to in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • Canada has the longest coastlines in the world.

Sources:

  • Government of Canada (no date). Ministerial statement: Successful conclusion of negotiations on the creation of a legally binding treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).
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