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Prime Minister Gaston Browne in Parliament. Photo Credit: Robert Emmanuel
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.
Great
I applaud Antigua and Barbuda efforts in the fight against climate change
We dont care about these agreements. We want money in our pockets, food on our tables and education for our children…………..
It’s really cool that Antigua is trying to step up on climate change globally, but if we’re messing up the environment locally, it doesn’t really add up, right?. I mean the government is all about saving the planet, as they say, but then they’re dredging the ocean for LNG ships? help me understand a little bit of something here.
The BBNJ Agreement is a significant step forward for the country in advocating for marine conservation, but we must also ensure that we’re not compromising our own environmental integrity in the process. let’s think about something here.
I’m all for global climate agreements, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that we’re damaging our own environment at the same time. How can we hold others accountable when we’re doing the same thing? it’s almost unbelievable that the very people that wants to the environment are the very same people damaging it.
It’s very laughable that the government we so believe in, talks almost everyday about saving the planet while destroying our own little environment with things like dredging for LNG. Hypocrites I will say. How can you people claim to care about climate change when you’re ruining our beautiful oceans for profit that only surrounds you little administration? They’re just doing whatever benefits them, and the rest of us have to deal with the consequences. In the end we play dumb
I love my prime minister. Fullstops!
Great move by Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Antigua and Barbuda in ratifying the BBNJ Agreement. This is a crucial step towards holding major polluters accountable and protecting our oceans for future generations. It’s inspiring to see such leadership in the global fight against climate change!