Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni has praised Samoa’s continued leadership in advancing the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity during the opening of the Samoa National Workshop on the Ratification and Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
A new legally binding agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) was adopted at the United Nations in June 2023.
“I am honoured to deliver these remarks on this momentous occasion,” Dr Manoni said in his address, emphasising the significance of the fifth national workshop in the Pacific region dedicated to the ratification and implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea’s BBNJ Agreement.
Dr Manoni praised Samoa for its steadfast commitment to ocean conservation, calling it “a remarkable initiative” and applauding the country’s leadership in pushing forward the BBNJ negotiations.
He recalled Samoa’s key role in urging global negotiators to reach an agreement, even when the process seemed stalled.
“Samoa’s determination, unwavering persistence and leadership in the BBNJ negotiations truly was the wind in the sail’s that ensured that the ship finally reached the shore on the 19 June 2023 when the BBNJ Agreement was successfully adopted.”
The Pacific Ocean Commissioner highlighted the importance of the BBNJ Agreement, which marks a new era for ocean governance.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of ratifying the Agreement in order to ensure that the ambitions and priorities of the Pacific are fully realised.”
Dr Manoni also noted regional progress with the Republic of the Marshall Islands ratifying the Agreement and Kiribati becoming a signatory.
“There is good progress in the region in countries undertaking the necessary approval processes in the national level…. My office remains committed to coordinating with CROP and our partners the necessary support to Members in their efforts to ratify and implement the BBNJ Agreement, in accordance with our mandate from the Leaders,” he said.
Dr Manoni reassured the Pacific nations of continued support from his office, as well as regional partners, in their efforts to ratify and implement the BBNJ Agreement.
“As stewards of the ocean, and as guardians of the largest portion of the Pacific Ocean, our leadership matters,” he said.
He emphasised the need to go beyond ratification and focus on the groundwork for effective implementation, urging the involvement of scientists, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities in shaping the future of ocean policy.
“We need to look beyond just ratification and start to lay the groundwork for implementation. In that regard, I note that the BBNJ Agreement is ambitious and highly complex. Therefore, we need the expertise of scientists, academia, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and all relevant stakeholders who can enrich and guide the discussions around ratification and implementation, to inform effective policy and legislative decision making.
“This national consultation therefore marks a significant step in your journey towards ratification, and subsequently the implementation and/or domestication of the BBNJ Agreement,” he explained.
The workshop serves as a critical platform for national consultation, and Dr Manoni encouraged participants to engage with experts to understand the obligations that come with the Agreement and ensure its successful implementation at the national level.
