Pakistan joins UN treaty to protect Marine biodiversity
NEW YORK: Pakistan has officially signed a landmark United Nations agreement focused on protecting marine biodiversity in international waters.
The agreement known as the BBNJ (Biodiversity beyond National Jurisdiction) Agreement is part of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and sets a legal foundation for all marine and maritime activities in areas beyond any single country’s control.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed the treaty at the UN Headquarters during his ongoing eight-day visit to the United States.
Pakistan played a key leadership role in shaping the agreement. During the crucial 2022 negotiation sessions, Pakistan led the Group of 77 and China, a coalition representing the interests of developing nations. Throughout the talks, Pakistan pushed for equitable benefit-sharing, stronger capacity-building efforts, and fair access to marine technology, emphasizing the idea that the ocean’s resources are the shared heritage of all humanity.
By signing the BBNJ Agreement, Pakistan has reaffirmed its strong support for multilateral cooperation and its dedication to protecting marine biodiversity for future generations.
