Pakistan Signs Agreement to Conserve Marine Biodiversity in International Waters

Pakistan has made a significant commitment to protecting and conserving marine biodiversity in international waters by signing the BBNJ Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The agreement aims to establish a legal framework for marine activities and promote sustainable use of marine resources. Pakistan played a leading role in the negotiations, advocating for fair benefit-sharing and technology transfer for developing countries. The signing of the agreement reflects Pakistan's dedication to multilateral cooperation and the conservation of marine biodiversity.

Key Takeaways:

• Pakistan signed the "Agreement 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 (BBNJ Agreement)" at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
• Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar signed the agreement, reflecting Pakistan's commitment to multilateral cooperation and marine conservation.
• Pakistan played a leading role in the BBNJ negotiations, serving as Chair of the Group of 77 and China during the two main sessions in 2022.
• The agreement addresses four key issues: marine genetic resources, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and capacity-building and technology transfer.
• The agreement also establishes a funding mechanism and sets up institutional arrangements, including a Conference of the Parties and subsidiary bodies.
• Pakistan advocated for fair benefit-sharing, capacity-building, and technology transfer, in line with the principle of the common heritage of humankind.
• The signing of the agreement marks Pakistan's continued commitment to protecting and conserving marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Statistics:

• Pakistan served as Chair of the Group of 77 and China during the two main sessions of the BBNJ negotiations in 2022.
• The BBNJ Agreement addresses four key issues: marine genetic resources, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and capacity-building and technology transfer.
• The agreement establishes a funding mechanism and sets up institutional arrangements, including a Conference of the Parties and subsidiary bodies.
• Pakistan played a leading role in advocating for fair benefit-sharing, capacity-building, and technology transfer for developing countries.

Sources:

• The Foreign Office of Pakistan
• The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
• The Group of 77 and China
• The principle of the common heritage of humankind