New York, August 25, 2025, 03:51 AM PKT
Pakistan is enhancing its advocacy at the United Nations for the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement as of August 24, 2025. The focus remains on equitable resource sharing, a crucial component of the marine biodiversity treaty.
After assuming the chair of the Group of 77 on July 22, Pakistan has been urging stronger commitments to protect global oceans and defend the interests of developing nations.
Foreign Minister’s Call for Shared Ocean Heritage
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addressed the UN session, stressing the importance of fair access to marine genetic resources and technology transfers. His remarks align with Pakistan’s stance in the Foreign Office on these critical negotiations.
“The ocean’s wealth is humanity’s shared heritage,” Dar asserted to NEN, underscoring Pakistan’s active involvement in marine biodiversity treaty discussions.
BBNJ Agreement: Structure and Goals
The BBNJ Agreement, part of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), aims to introduce essential ocean protection measures through several key mechanisms:
- Establishing marine protected areas in international waters
- Mandatory environmental impact assessments for ocean activities
- Addressing overfishing and marine pollution
- Equitable sharing of marine genetic resources
These provisions are vital for coastal countries like Pakistan, reliant on sustainable ocean resources for economic development.
Pakistan’s Marine Conservation Initiatives
Alongside treaty advancements, Pakistan has designated Churna and Astola Islands as marine protected areas, showcasing its commitment to ocean conservation beyond diplomatic efforts.
Experts from Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states participated virtually in the UN session. They lauded Pakistan’s emphasis on capacity-building to assist small-scale fisheries in developing nations.
Next Steps in Treaty Implementation
The upcoming UN session in 2026 will concentrate on finalizing implementation protocols for the marine biodiversity treaty. Comprehensive measures for global enforcement of the agreement’s provisions will be outlined.
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