Fiji is working diligently towards the ratification of the High Seas Treaty by the end of this year.
Minister for Disaster Management, and Rural and Maritime Development Sakiasi Ditoka made the pledge during a high level event on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) leadership to ratify the United Nations agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, also referred to as the High Seas Treaty.
Mr Ditoka said the BBNJ agreement would govern the high seas – an area where activities were left unmanaged and unregulated – and this caused detrimental impacts to marine biological diversity.
“The treaty provides a link between climate change and the law of the sea, a link that was not included in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“The inclusion of this ocean-climate nexus in the agreement is needed if we want to ensure the very survival of our small island nations.”
Mr Ditoka also said the recognition of traditional knowledge and the role of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) under the BBNJ Agreement was a significant win for the Pacific SIDS.
He said the Fijian Government recognised the value of the BBNJ agreement as an implementing agreement to UNCLOS.
“Our Cabinet endorsed its signing and ratification not long after its adoption at the United Nations.
“We have recently concluded national consultations bringing together government, stakeholders, non-Government organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations to ensure we have a clear plan towards ratification by the end of the year.”
On behalf of Fiji, Mr Ditoka also voiced the call for other SIDS to support the High Seas Treaty.
