UN chief hails entry into force of marine biological diversity agreement

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday hailed the “historic” entry into force of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction.
“Today marks a watershed moment for the ocean,” Guterres said in a video message to celebrate the agreement coming into force on Jan. 17.
“This is a historic achievement — for people and planet; for international cooperation and the United Nations,” he said.
The UN chief said the treaty establishes the first legal framework for conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in the two-thirds of the ocean that lies beyond national borders, and provides “binding global rules” to share fairly the benefits from marine genetic resources.
“In a world of accelerating crises — climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution — the Agreement fills a critical governance gap to secure a resilient and productive ocean for all,” he said, urging all countries to join the treaty and calling for its swift universal and full implementation.