Ukraine signs the High Seas Agreement: what it means for the protection of marine ecosystems

Ukraine has taken an important step in international environmental policy. Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksiy Sobolev signed the High Seas Agreement (BBNJ Agreement), which makes Ukraine a full participant in the new international mechanism for the protection of ocean ecosystems and the sustainable use of marine resources in international waters.This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.As Sobolev noted, this agreement is another important step towards Ukraine's European future. "We confirm that the issue of preserving the oceans and seas is part of our European and global ecological integration. Our location on the Black and Azov Seas makes the issues of maritime security and ecosystem protection strategic for the country and the region," the minister emphasized.The High Seas Agreement, also known as the BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), is a revolutionary international document aimed at conserving marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. This agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for regulating activities in the high seas, which make up more than two-thirds of the world's oceans.The signing of the agreement is of particular importance for Ukraine as a Black Sea state. The document provides for the creation of marine protected areas in international waters, conducting environmental assessments, developing marine technologies and promoting the equitable sharing of benefits from the use of marine genetic resources.The agreement will also contribute to strengthening cooperation between countries in the field of marine scientific research, exchange of technologies and provision of technical assistance to developing countries.

 

Source: https://landlord.ua/news/logistika/ukrayina-pidpysala-ugodu-pro-vidkryte-more-shho-cze-oznachaye-dlya-zahystu-morskyh-ekosystem