Zambia signs UN treaty on use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond jurisdiction

Zambia has signed the United Nations Convention on the Conservation and Sustainable use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Dr, Chola Milambo, signed the treaty on behalf of Zambia in New York, United States of America.

According to a press statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations, Namatama Njekwa, at the Permanent Mission of Zambia to the UN, Zambia joins over 80 other Member States by signing the document.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Milambo expressed delight that Zambia had finally joined many other countries in signing the treaty.

He said although Zambia was without a seacoast, the legal regime that pertains to the sea stills remains of vital importance because more than 80 percent of international trade was facilitated through shipment on the ocean.

“The safe passage of goods and services through marine transportation, therefore, has a significant impact on the cost of imports and exports which have an impact on the prices of goods and services for consumers and producers in Zambia,” Milambo stated.

He noted that other benefits of the treaty included among others, the opportunities for young Zambian scientists and geologists now emerging at a faster rate than ever in marine research, capacity-building and training.

Milambo added that the BBNJ Treaty was adopted by the United Nations through consensus on June 19, 2023 and Member States have continued signing it.

He noted that this was after 19 years of deliberations and negotiations.

“The BBNJ Treaty, also known as the High Seas Treaty, is the first international, legally binding instrument to conserve and sustainably manage marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction,” Milambo said.

He highlighted that the treaty aimed to achieve greater ocean conservation measures with fair and equitable sharing of ocean resources.

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