Parliament Approves UN Agreement on Marine Biodiversity

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has expressed the importance of the recently ratified BBNJ Agreement, framing it as a vital step for Antigua and Barbuda in solidifying its status as a global leader in addressing climate change.

When he presented the resolution before parliament, he noted that the agreement provides the country with legal avenues to hold major polluters accountable for their environmental impact.

“This particular Convention is very important for us to be part of the overall UN Convention for the Law of the Sea, so that we can get the necessary protections and ensure that entities, countries, and companies involved in fossil fuels and other environmentally degrading actions can be held responsible under the law,” Prime Minister Browne stated.

The House of Representatives ratified 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, also known as the BBNJ Agreement.

Originally signed by Antigua and Barbuda on September 20, 2023, the parliamentary ratification marked the final step in officially adopting this international treaty.

The BBNJ Agreement, adopted on June 19, 2023, is the third implementing agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It addresses crucial issues such as marine genetic resources, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and capacity-building for the transfer of marine technology.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin emphasized that the significance of this agreement transcends national borders, while Environment Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph highlighted the government’s ongoing climate advocacy.

He remarked on the challenges faced by small island states in recovering from devastating hurricanes, pointing out the difficulties in holding larger, developed countries accountable for global pollution.

However, Member for Barbuda, Hon Trevor Walker, raised concerns about the government’s domestic environmental practices, questioning the alignment between its international climate advocacy and local actions.

He pointed to dredging activities at Nonsuch Bay, alleging that the government has “destroyed hectares of seabed” to facilitate larger ships for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.

Antigua and Barbuda originally signed the agreement on September 20, 2023, and the parliamentary ratification marked the final step in formally adopting the international treaty.