Marine Biodiversity Treaty Preparatory Commission Concludes
The Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity has successfully concluded its inaugural session in New York, addressing critical issues related to governance, financial rules, and cooperation mechanisms. The session, which took place from April 14 to 25, 2024, marked a significant step towards the implementation of the treaty adopted on June 19, 2023. With 113 signatories now, including Thailand, the Agreement is set to enter into force once it receives 60 ratifications. The Commission plans to reconvene for its second session in August 2025.
Key Discussions and Outcomes
During its first session, the Commission engaged in extensive discussions on various aspects of the Agreement, including governance structures and the Clearing-House Mechanism. Co-Chairs Janine Coye-Felson from Belize and Adam McCarthy from Australia provided oral summaries of the session, highlighting both areas of consensus and divergence among delegates. They emphasized the need for further documentation and preparation ahead of the next session scheduled for August 2025. The discussions underscored the importance of establishing effective governance frameworks to ensure the sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The Commission also focused on procedural rules and the establishment of subsidiary bodies as outlined in the Agreement. These bodies will play a crucial role in facilitating cooperation among signatory states and other stakeholders. The outcomes of this session will inform the Commission’s future work and the overall implementation of the treaty.
Addressing the Needs of Developing States
A significant theme throughout the session was the necessity of addressing the unique needs of developing states. Representatives from various countries, including Sierra Leone and Haiti, stressed the importance of ensuring that the Agreement’s implementation is equitable and transparent. They called for recognition of the specific challenges faced by small island developing states, least developed countries, and landlocked nations.
Delegates emphasized that the United Nations system must support developing countries in their participation in the Conference of the Parties and its subsidiary bodies. Tuvalu’s representative highlighted the critical role of Pacific island nations as custodians of vast ocean spaces, urging that their circumstances be prioritized in the Agreement’s implementation. The call for enhanced cooperation and accessible financial mechanisms was echoed by multiple speakers, reinforcing the need for a collaborative approach to marine biodiversity conservation.
Early Implementation Efforts and Future Events
Several delegations shared their initiatives aimed at advancing the Agreement’s objectives. Chile’s representative introduced the “BBNJ First Movers” initiative, launched in 2024, which seeks to establish marine-protected areas in the high seas and foster international cooperation. The European Union also highlighted its partnerships with Seychelles and Palau to support the Agreement’s ratification and implementation.
Looking ahead, the Republic of Korea announced the upcoming “Our Ocean Conference” in Busan, scheduled for April 28-30, where global leaders will discuss strategies for ocean conservation. The High Seas Alliance expressed optimism about increasing signatures and ratifications before the June deadline, which is crucial for the Agreement’s entry into force. The collective efforts of various nations and organizations aim to address pressing oceanic challenges and achieve the ambitious goals set forth in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
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