Jamaica Signs the BBNJ Treaty, Affirming Commitment to Ocean Biodiversity Protection

Kingston, Jamaica — The Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, announced that Jamaica has officially signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty. The landmark agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, aims to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national waters. Minister Johnson Smith shared the announcement in a tweet on September 24, 2024, expressing Jamaica’s dedication to sustainable ocean management.

“Today, I signed the #BBNJ Treaty on behalf of Jamaica! As host to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and home to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Jamaica was an active participant in the negotiations, so this was an important step for us,” the minister tweeted. She also emphasized the next crucial phase: “Now we work towards ratification and encourage other countries to do the same, so that we can cooperate in the protection of Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction.”

I signed the #BBNJ Treaty on behalf of Jamaica today! As host to the #ISA and home to the #UNCLOS , Jamaica was an active participant in the negotiations, so this was an important step for us. Now we work towards ratification and encourage other countries to do the same, so that… pic.twitter.com/gZywLItxQH

— Hon. Kamina J Smith (@kaminajsmith) September 24, 2024

Jamaica’s involvement in the treaty reflects its ongoing leadership role in global maritime affairs. As the host of the ISA, the country plays a pivotal role in regulating the exploitation of seabed resources while ensuring the sustainable management of marine environments.

The signing of the BBNJ Treaty comes after years of international negotiations and is widely seen as a breakthrough in global efforts to safeguard the oceans. The treaty establishes guidelines for protecting marine life in areas beyond national borders, including establishing marine protected areas, conducting environmental impact assessments, and ensuring equitable access to marine genetic resources.

Minister Johnson Smith’s efforts were also supported by Senator Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, who has been instrumental in advancing Jamaica’s environmental agenda. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (@mfaftja) and the International Seabed Authority (@ISBAHQ) also expressed their support.

Jamaica’s next step will be to move towards ratifying the treaty and urging other nations to follow suit, underscoring its commitment to the collective responsibility of protecting the world’s oceans for future generations.

As discussions about marine conservation grow, Jamaica’s signature of the BBNJ Treaty cements its position as a global advocate for environmental sustainability and ocean governance.

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