Today, during the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas ratified the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (the “BBNJ Agreement”).
During a Special Treaty Event, the Honourable Vaughn Miller, M.P., Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, presented The Bahamas’ Instruments of Ratification to the United Nations Secretariat.
Having been involved with the BBNJ process since negotiations began over a decade ago, and becoming a signatory on 12th April, 2024, The Bahamas has continually demonstrated its commitment to responsible and sustainable ocean governance. With this vital next step, The Bahamas joins those countries taking a leadership role – building momentum towards entry into force of this critical treaty.
The United Nations Conference supports the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. This year, it is held under the overarching theme of “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”. While the ocean is recognized as a universal life source and its protection a moral imperative, of all the sustainable development goals, SDG 14 is one of the most under-funded.
The Conference will involve all relevant stakeholders, bringing together Governments, the United Nations system, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions, other interested international bodies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, Indigenous Peoples and local communities and other actors to assess challenges and opportunities relating to, as well as actions taken towards, the implementation of Goal 14.
Minister Miller is supported at UNOC by a multi-stakeholder delegation of government officials, including representatives from his own Ministry and Department of Environmental Protection and Planning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Attorney-General, the Department of Marine Resources, and BAMSI.
During the week-long Conference, delegates will engage in crucial discussions on increasing scientific cooperation, knowledge, capacity building, marine technology and education, mobiliizing finance to support SDG14, strengthening the interconnectedness of ocean, climate, and biodiversity action, tackling the rising catastrophe of marine pollution, addressing illegal fisheries, and a range of other pressing issues.
With The Bahamas’ ratification, the total number of parties to the agreement now stands at 50, with 60 required to bring the Agreement into legal force. As so closely approach this significant global milestone, The Bahamas calls on all countries who have not yet ratified the agreement, to do so without delay and to join us in forging ahead together.
Source: Bahamas Ministry of The Environment & Natural Resources
