Nigeria Signs Treaty on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ).
By Caroline Ameh
Nigeria, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu I. Lamuwa, formally joined the global effort for marine biodiversity conservation on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, by signing the Treaty on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.**
The signing ceremony, held in the Treaty Signature Room under the supervision of Mr. David Nanopoulos, Chief of the Treaty Section, marks Nigeria’s commitment to addressing crucial issues related to marine genetic resources, including fair and equitable benefit-sharing, area-based management tools such as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), environmental impact assessments, and capacity-building in marine technology transfer.
Background:
The BBNJ Agreement, adopted on June 19th, 2023, during the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction under the auspices of the United Nations, has been open for signature since September 20th, 2023. It becomes the third implementing agreement to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Nigeria’s Role:
Nigeria played an active role in the negotiations leading to the adoption of the Treaty and has become the 90th country to sign it. Efforts are underway to expedite the ratification process.
Global Significance:
The BBNJ Agreement addresses critical issues affecting marine biodiversity conservation on a global scale. It emphasizes the fair and equitable sharing of marine genetic resources, the establishment of area-based management tools like MPAs, conducting environmental impact assessments, and fostering capacity-building and technology transfer in marine conservation efforts.
Current Status:
As of the signing date, 90 countries have signed the BBNJ Agreement, with Nigeria being the ninetieth signatory. Four countries, including Belize, Palau, Seychelles, and Chile, have already ratified the agreement.
Future Prospects:
The BBNJ Agreement remains open for signature until September 20th, 2025. It will enter into force 120 days after the sixtieth instrument of ratification, approval, acceptance, or accession is deposited.
Nigeria’s participation underscores its commitment to global environmental stewardship and signifies a step towards sustainable marine resource management and conservation efforts on an international scale.
