NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 22 – A solemn ceremony for the signing of the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity in the High Seas (BBNJ, Biodiversity Behind National Jurisdictions) was held today at the United Nations. Ambassador Maurizio Massari, Italy’s Permanent Representative to the UN, signed the treaty on behalf of Italy.
This way Italy joined the group of treaty signatories, numbering around 70 as of today, committing to binding obligations related to the protection and preservation of approximately two-thirds of the world’s ocean surfaces. The agreement is also a welcome addition to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides the legal framework under which all activities in the ocean take place.
After nearly 20 years of challenging negotiations, the agreement’s text was finalized in March 2023, and its consensual adoption by the Intergovernmental Conference in June was hailed as a historic moment and a victory for multilateralism. Italy has been among the treaty’s major supporters, viewing it as a key tool for achieving the sustainable development goals outlined in the UN 2030 Agenda.
The agreement was opened for signature during the High-Level Week of the 78th UN General Assembly. It will remain open for signature for two years and will enter into force upon reaching 60 ratifications. In addition to Italy, the European Union and all its member states are signatories to the instrument. The EU has committed to support the treaty’s ratification and early implementation through the EU Global Ocean Programme of €40 million and has invited members of the High Ambition Coalition to do the same within their capabilities (@OnuItalia)
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