Solomon Islands on Friday made history at the United Nations by becoming one of the first countries to sign up for the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Maritime Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, BBNJ.
BBNJ is an international legal framework/treaty that compliments existing international frameworks (UNCLOS, Convention on Biodiversity) with targeted focus on conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP on behalf of the government and people of Solomon Islands stood out amongst world leaders by being among the first to sign the landmark Agreement proclaiming in no uncertain terms a serious leap towards the protection and sustainable use of Maritime Biological resources beyond our national borders.
What does this mean for Solomon Islanders?
As a large ocean state where 98 percent is Ocean, the government is ensuring ocean governance and sustainable use of ocean beyond our national borders as well as embracing the ‘polluter pay principle’.
It is a breakthrough for the protection and conservation of our ocean areas beyond borders.
With the signing of the high seas treaty, Solomon Islands is better positioned to promote effective ocean governance, conserve its marine biodiversity, and ensuring the sustainable use of its marine resources.
The agreement also supports the country’s commitments to tackling climate crisis.
In addition, the Agreement establishes international standards that compels states (parties) to responsibly use areas beyond national jurisdictions.
Signing up to the BBNJ agreement also offer Solomon Islands an opportunity to strengthen multilateral coordination and promote international cooperation towards global conservation efforts.
In becoming a signatory to the Agreement, Solomon Islands commits to the Treaty in principle, while also considering putting in place mechanisms (in line with our National Ocean Policy) and legislations to implement the treaty when Solomon Islands ratifies the treaty.
PM PRESS SECRETARIAT
