11 - 06 - 25

South Africa Commits to Marine Biodiversity Protection with New International Agreement

South Africa has officially signed an agreement focused on safeguarding marine biodiversity in ocean areas that fall outside the jurisdiction of any single nation. In a statement made on Monday, Dr. Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, highlighted the countrys active involvement in negotiating the international Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This agreement aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in regions beyond national control.



The BBNJ agreement represents the first comprehensive global framework designed to protect biodiversity in the high seas and on the ocean floor beyond national jurisdictions. Commonly known as the high seas treaty, it addresses significant governance gaps affecting two-thirds of the ocean that are not governed by any nation. The agreement introduces essential tools, including area-based management, environmental impact assessments, capacity building, and a mechanism for sharing marine genetic resources.

The minister emphasized the need for enhanced global cooperation, improved scientific collaboration, and increased financial and technical support for developing nations. This support is crucial for the effective and inclusive implementation of the legally binding BBNJ agreement. He urged all member states and regional organizations to promptly sign and ratify the agreement to ensure its swift entry into force and effective execution, which is vital for protecting marine biodiversity for both current and future generations.



These comments were made following a high-profile signing ceremony that occurred during the third United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, UNOC3 aims to accelerate global efforts to conserve and sustainably utilize ocean resources, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.



In accordance with SAs existing legal frameworks, the signing of the BBNJ agreement is anticipated to enhance global ocean governance and support local initiatives aimed at economic development while ensuring the protection of ocean ecosystems.