Portugal approves High Seas Treaty agreement
Fresh Take:
The Portuguese government has put pen to paper on the accord, but it ain't official yet. The high-stakes international agreement regarding the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, often referred to as the High Seas Treaty or BBNJ Agreement, hangs in the balance. The Prime Minister, along with Foreign Affairs, Economy, and Environment and Energy ministers, penned their signatures on a decree approval back in April. However, the ratification by the Portuguese government, delayed by political factors such as yanking the rug out from under the old regime, is yet to come.
Globally, as we speak, the BBNJ Agreement boasts 113 signatories and 21 parties (countries that have ratified the treaty). For it to spring into action, 60 countries need to ratify it, and Portugal's stamp would certainly help reach that threshold.
Why's this treaty a big deal, you ask? Well, apart from safeguarding marine life in international waters, it aligns Portugal's policies with global ocean governance objectives, including the Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the pledge to protect 30% of the sea by 2030. As an EU member, Portugal benefits from the European Commission's dedication to integrating the BBNJ Agreement into EU law, simplifying implementation and compliance at the national level.
Once ratified, the treaty will establish marine protected areas and mandate environmental impact assessments for activities in those areas, shaping Portugal's far-flung maritime policies and role in high seas conservation.
On the international stage, Portugal's ratification would help trigger the treaty's entry into force, creating a globally-binding framework to protect marine biodiversity in international waters. It'll also address the age-old governance gaps and promote cooperative management, benefit sharing from marine genetic resources, and protection of marine ecosystems worldwide. With nations like Portugal ratifying, the treaty bolsters broader commitments such as protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
So, Portugal, we're keepin' our fingers crossed for you to make a splash and contribute to global ocean governance and biodiversity preservation in international waters!
What is the current status of the ratification for the High Seas Treaty or BBNJ Agreement by the Portuguese government? The treaty, if ratified, will help reach the required 60 ratifications, enhancing marine conservation efforts. Ratification would align Portugal's policies with global ocean governance objectives, including safeguarding marine life in international waters and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goal 14.
Once ratified, the treaty will prompt the establishment of marine protected areas and mandate environmental impact assessments, shaping Portugal's maritime policies and its role in high seas conservation. On an international level, Portugal's ratification would accelerate the treaty's entry into force, creating a global framework for protecting marine biodiversity in international waters.
By ratifying the treaty, Portugal significantly bolsters broader commitments to protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, demonstrating its dedication to environmental-science and sustainable practices in global politics. dimensional scientists and policymakers worldwide.
