Nigerian Government has signed Treaty On Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ).
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador, Yusuf Tuggar represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Adamu Lamuwa carried out the responsibility at the Treaty Signature Room of the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
A statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry, Ambassador, Francisca Omoyuli and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA, said the ceremony was done under the supervision of the Chief of the Treaty Section,
Mr. David Nanopoulos.
The BBNJ Agreement according to the statement was adopted on 19th June, 2023 by the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction convened under the auspices of the United Nations and has been open for signature since 20th September, 2023.
The BBNJ Agreement became the third implementing agreement to the United Nations Convention on the Law Of the Sea.
The statement added that the BBNJ Agreement aimed at addressing four main issues which include, marine genetic resources, fair and equitable sharing of benefits; measures such as area-based management tools like marine protected areas; environmental impact assessments and capacity-building as well as the transfer of marine technology.
The statement further said Nigeria played an active role in the negotiations and the eventual adoption of the Treaty as it is the 90th country to sign the Treaty with efforts being made to ratify it soonest adding that four countries including Belize, Palau, Seychelles and Chile have so far ratified the treaty.
The statement concluded that the BBNJ Agreement is open for signature by all States and regional economic integration organizations from 20th September, 2023 to 20 September 2025, and will enter into force 120 days after the date of deposition of the sixtieth instrument of ratification, approval, acceptance or accession.
