Mauritius signs UN-backed BBNJ Treaty

Mauritius’s Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth signed, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) aiming at ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, for the present and in the long term. Through effective implementation of the relevant provisions of the United Nations.

The Premier highlighted that this action represents a turning point in ensuring that International Law and the Law of the Ocean are adhered to. The signing of the treaty, he also argues, demonstrates that the country is determined to play an active role in the protection of the oceans, Le Matinal reports.

Per the agreement, the African country will benefit from the sharing of expertise and technologies with the international community.

Mauritius contributed to the development of this Treaty which will allow the country to participate in global efforts to protect marine biodiversity, even beyond its Exclusive Economic Zone, the local media notes.

Mauritius is one of the first signatories of the agreement. More than six other countries are expected to sign the treaty this week. The agreement needs sixty States signatories to enter into force.

The UN adopted the BBNJ Treaty in June 2023.