In a landmark move for ocean conservation, Fiji yesterday (9.06.25) officially deposited its instruments of ratification for the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ) agreement to the United Nations, represented by Elinor Jane Britt Hammarskjöld, the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel, signalling our firm commitment to protecting marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The deposit was completed by Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, marking Fiji’s formal endorsement of the historic treaty aimed at safeguarding the high seas through stronger international cooperation and governance.
Minister Bulitavu highlighted the importance of the BBNJ Agreement which aims to scale up the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdictions for the benefit of all.
“Ratification of the BBNJ Agreement not only supports Fiji’s efforts to fulfil ocean commitments and support domestic interests, it also aligns with the leadership we maintain both regionally and internationally on ocean conservation and governance as well as supports our efforts to establish the Blue Pacific as an Ocean of Peace,” he said.
Fiji urges countries that have not yet ratified the BBNJ Agreement to do so as soon as possible to ensure entry into force this year.