The island’s alternate permanent representative to the UN, Yuri Gala, deposited the instrument of ratification and reiterated his country’s strong commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of marine genetic resources.
In a message posted on his X account, formerly Twitter, the Cuban representative said that the Caribbean country was the eighth to ratify the mechanism.
The treaty was signed in 2023 after more than two decades of negotiations for its completion.
The BBJN aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, this is a key resource for addressing the threats facing the ocean and for the success of ocean-related goals and targets, including the 2030 Agenda.
Among other actions, the Agreement establishes rules governing ocean resources, recognizing the close interrelationship between nature and ocean space, an essential goal for the UN’s goal of conserving and effectively managing at least 30 percent of the world’s land and inland waters by 2030.
In addition, it seeks to strengthen resilience and contains provisions based on the polluter pays principle, as well as conflict resolution mechanisms.
As established by the treaty, the parties must evaluate the possible environmental impacts of any planned activities beyond their jurisdictions.
The text also highlights the importance of capacity development and transfer of marine technology, including the development and strengthening of institutional capacity and national regulatory frameworks or mechanisms.
That includes growing collaboration between regional maritime organizations and regional fisheries management organizations.
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