THE UNITED Nations has formally adopted the High Seas Treaty, a marine biodiversity agreement supported by the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Maritime Organization.
The UN adopted the legally binding treaty on Monday (19 June). It outlines rules to protect marine biodiversity in the world’s oceans, outside of national boundaries.
The ICS noted that formal adoption of the treaty follows a “significant breakthrough” in March this year when nearly 200 nation states came to an agreement in finalising the text for the treaty.
It said the agreement is the substance of an international, legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (the BBNJ agreement).
Emily Rowley, ICS policy manager (legal), who has represented ICS at the United Nations on BBNJ for over five years, said the High Seas Treaty had been adopted after more than two decades of work.
“There is still a way to go of course before it comes into effect, as 60 member states need to ratify, but this is without question a significant moment and should be celebrated,” she said.
ICS said it has been representing the shipping industry in the discussions to ensure the international maritime community is engaged and considered.
The organisation;s position has also been to support government’s understanding of the International Maritime Organization’s role as shipping’s global regulator.
“From a shipping industry’s perspective, the High Seas Treaty agreement takes into account the IMO’s role and is intended to cover gaps in ocean governance,” Ms Rowley said.
“It will help ensure that emerging high seas industries will be as well-regulated as shipping is by IMO, with the detail of any measures that may be needed for ships to be discussed and agreed at IMO.
“Fundamentally the agreement should enhance cooperation and coordination between UN agencies and other global and regional regulators of activities on the high seas.
“This will foster a holistic approach to the protection of marine biodiversity and ecosystems in areas where no one State is responsible for preserving them.”
“It is important for shipping that the oceans are properly regulated and managed. The BBNJ Agreement is a meaningful step forward in ensuring that the oceans are used sustainably and conserved for present and future generations.”
