By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope
Freetown — In a significant development for marine conservation, Sierra Leone’s Parliament has ratified the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, an international treaty established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The BBNJ Agreement aims to create equitable global ocean governance while promoting sustainable practices for marine conservation. This ratification represents a pivotal moment for Sierra Leone as it aligns itself with international efforts to protect ocean biodiversity.
Sierra Leone played a crucial role in the negotiation process, with Dr. Michael Imran Kanu, the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, leading the Group of African Negotiators. The agreement was presented to Parliament by Timothy Kabba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Among its many provisions, the BBNJ Agreement promises fair sharing of marine genetic resources, improved management tools for marine protected areas, and the implementation of environmental impact assessments. It also emphasizes capacity-building and the transfer of marine technologies to developing nations.
For Sierra Leone, the ratification is expected to enhance the country’s capabilities in ocean governance, attract vital technical and financial support, and bolster efforts to combat climate change. Additionally, it promotes the sustainable use of marine resources within and beyond its territorial waters.
The ratification has garnered praise for the House of Parliament, the Ministries of Environment and Climate Change, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the BBNJ Ratification Committee, all of whom played instrumental roles in this achievement.
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