PH submits ratification documents of High Seas Treaty at UNGA

Proving its leadership in marine ecology and the sustainable use of maritime resources, the Philippines—through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro—formally deposited the instrument of ratification of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

- By RAYMUND ANTONIO

The turnover of the documents was done during the Treaty Event held at the UNGA headquarters in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 24 (Manila time).

"This is a testament to the Philippines' leadership in efforts to advance global ocean governance, as a maritime and archipelagic nation," Lazaro, who was with Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla, said in an X (formerly Twitter) post.

The BBNJ, also called the High Seas Treaty, is the third implementing agreement of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).