**Pakistan Signs UN Treaty on Marine Biodiversity, Reinforcing Commitment to Ocean Protection**
Pakistan has formally signed a landmark United Nations treaty aimed at conserving and sustainably managing marine biodiversity in international waters, highlighting the country’s active role in global efforts to protect the high seas. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), known as the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).
The BBNJ Agreement represents a significant milestone in international law, establishing a comprehensive framework for the sustainable use and protection of marine resources in areas beyond any single country’s jurisdiction. These vast ocean spaces, often referred to as the “high seas,” are critically important for maintaining global ecological balance but are increasingly at risk from overexploitation and environmental degradation.
Pakistan played an influential role during the negotiation of the BBNJ Agreement. Serving as Chair of the Group of 77 and China during the key negotiating sessions, Pakistan advocated for the concerns and interests of developing countries. The country’s diplomatic efforts focused on promoting equity, inclusivity, and the recognition of the high seas as the common heritage of humankind, ensuring the final provisions of the treaty reflected the voices and needs of the Global South.
The signing of the BBNJ Agreement signals Pakistan’s continued dedication to international environmental governance and the responsible stewardship of marine ecosystems. This step also aligns with Pakistan’s broader commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 14, which seeks to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources.
