The Maldives has officially joined the global effort to safeguard marine biodiversity by signing the High Seas Treaty, formally known as the BBNJ Agreement, at a ceremony held today at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed, the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the UN, represented the country in the signing ceremony. This treaty is a significant step under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

The treaty's journey began in 2015 when the UN General Assembly mandated the development of a legally binding instrument to address the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. After extensive negotiations and drafting from 2016 to 2023, the agreement was adopted on June 19, 2023.

The Maldives' cabinet endorsed the decision to sign the treaty during a meeting on February 11, 2024. Following this, the agreement was presented to the Parliament for approval, which was granted on May 13, 2024.

In a statement, the Maldives' Foreign Ministry emphasized the country’s commitment to marine conservation. "While the protection of biodiversity within the Maldives' territorial waters is a crucial responsibility, it is equally important to extend this protection to areas beyond our national jurisdiction, The treaty sets forth a procedure for establishing large-scale marine protected areas and includes mechanisms for marine technological transfers and climate change mitigation."

As the 92nd signatory to the treaty, the Maldives joins a growing number of countries committed to this global initiative. Out of the 91 other signatories, eight nations have already ratified the agreement. The treaty will remain open for signatures until September 20, 2025, and will enter into force 120 days after the 60th ratification.

The Foreign Ministry highlighted that the treaty's provisions are expected to bring significant benefits to the Maldives, enhancing its ability to protect its marine environment and contribute to global conservation efforts.