President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, acting upon the recommendation of the Cabinet, has chosen to present the 'Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Treaty)' to Parliament for approval.
This decision was reached subsequent to deliberations on a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy during the latest Cabinet meeting.
The purpose of the treaty is to facilitate the conservation, preservation, and sustainable utilization of biodiversity and territorial waters in the High Seas. Furthermore, the treaty signifies a substantial international initiative focused on safeguarding marine ecosystems in the High Seas. Given the Maldives' status as a small island nation, active participation in such a treaty is crucial to advancing the protection and sustainable management of maritime domains.
Currently, the BBNJ treaty boasts 83 signatory nations.