PNG signs major Ocean Treaty at UN Conference in France
Papua New Guinea has officially signed an important High Seas Treaty, known as the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction [BBNJ], at the 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, France.
Prime Minister James Marape signed the agreement on Monday, joining 148 world leaders in a collective effort to strengthen global ocean governance and protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
“Papua New Guinea is proud to stand together with the international community in signing the BBNJ Agreement,” said Prime Minister Marape during his country statement.
“It reflects our unwavering support for multilateral action and responsible stewardship of our global commons.”
The treaty, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 19 June 2023, is the third implementing agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [UNCLOS] and focuses on the sustainable use and conservation of marine biodiversity in the high seas, areas outside any country’s exclusive economic zone [EEZ].
The BBNJ Agreement covers four key areas:
- Marine genetic resources, including the fair and equitable sharing of benefits;
- Measures such as area-based management tools, including marine protected areas;
- Environmental impact assessments; and
- Capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology.
It also introduces new cross-cutting mechanisms, including a Conference of the Parties, a Clearing-House Mechanism, and a dedicated secretariat to oversee implementation.
Prime Minister Marape said PNG’s signature aligns with its obligations under international law and its own national ocean strategies.
“We are committed to ensuring the relevant international laws governing the sustainable use and management of our country’s oceans and maritime resources are upheld and carefully articulated in our national policies, strategies, and plans.”
The Prime Minister also voiced PNG’s continued support for the ongoing global treaty negotiations on plastics, urging for swift and successful conclusions to tackle marine pollution.
The treaty remains open for signature until 20 September 2025 and will come into effect 120 days after 60 countries have formally ratified it.
With this latest move, Papua New Guinea strengthens its leadership role in the Pacific on environmental conservation and multilateral cooperation on global ocean issues.