Belize Hosts Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Workshop

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is set to host a Regional Workshop on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement for Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Placencia. This key workshop aims to boost understanding of the BBNJ Agreement, covering the rights and obligations it entails, and providing Caribbean SIDS with the technical support they need for joining and implementing the Agreement. The BBNJ Agreement acknowledges the unique challenges faced by SIDS and ensures their specific circumstances are considered. It also encourages their active participation in decision-making processes, alongside other developing nations. Earlier this year, Belize made history by becoming the first Caribbean nation to ratify this vital ocean biodiversity agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

 

Aniceto Rodriguez Ruiz, EU Delegation to Jamaica

“Recognizing that the health of our oceans is deeply tied to the prosperity of coastal communities, sustainable development and global biodiversity.  The Caribbean’s unwavering commitment during the negotiations was instrumental in securing this historic deal that is the BBNJ Treaty.  And now there is another task [which] is to translate this achievement into action on the ground into reality.  I would also like to commend the Caribbean nations that have already ratified the BBNJ Treaty, Belize and Barbados.  This early ratification demonstrates the leadership and sets a powerful example for the rest of the world.  I’m very happy to emphasize the European Union’s commitment to supporting DOALOS in organizing these capacity building workshops.  In addition to the EU’s contribution to the workshop, I’m excited to highlight another source of financial and technical support for Caribbean states in implementing the BBNJ Treaty.  The EU Global Ocean Program which will provide forty million Euros over six years, focusing on sustainable ocean use and technical assistance for developing countries.”