Cambodia: Cambodia has signed the Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), reaffirming its commitment to global marine conservation efforts. The signing ceremony took place on June 9 in Nice, France, during the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment, represented Cambodia at the signing.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the BBNJ Agreement strengthens the global legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the high seas and the deep seabed. It aims to address the growing biodiversity crisis for ocean life outside the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The Agreement is open for signature by all States and regional economic integration organisations from September 20, 2023, to September 20, 2025, and will enter into force 120 days after the date of deposit of the sixtieth instrument of ratification, approval, acceptance, or accession.
In his National Statement at the UNOC3, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to becoming a party to the BBNJ Agreement, which was adopted on June 19, 2023. He expressed pride in announcing Cambodia’s next step in formalising its commitment by signing the BBNJ Agreement and urged for transparency and the sharing of monetary and non-monetary benefits in its implementation. He also called on the international community to provide essential technical and financial support to developing countries to enhance their capacity for marine conservation and sustainable resource management.
To date, 49 countries have ratified and 134 others have signed the BBNJ Agreement, reflecting a significant global effort towards marine conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources.