Signature of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)

Minister Mauro Vieira signed today, September 21st, the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

Negotiated over nearly 20 years, the BBNJ Agreement (or "High Seas Treaty") establishes a set of rules applicable to activities related to biological resources conducted in the high seas and international seabed area. Standards have been agreed upon for: the collection and use of marine genetic resources; digital sequencing; management measures, including marine protected areas; environmental impact assessments; technical capacity-building; and the transfer of marine technologies.

Brazil played a significant role in the negotiations, the outcome of which met the demands of developing countries that worked to consolidate the principle that marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions is the common heritage of humanity. Consequently, the agreement establishes a mechanism for benefit-sharing arising from the scientific and economic exploration of marine genetic resources in the high seas.

By signing the agreement, the Brazilian government reaffirms its commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans and to multilateralism.