On 29 August, at the UN headquarters, Ukraine joined the Global Agreement on Marine Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction – a historic agreement to protect the open seas. Thus, our country has taken another step towards European integration and global environmental leadership!
This wonderful news warms our hearts. However, the Agreement will only be fully effective after ratification, and there is still work to be done on this. If we, as a state, ratify the Agreement in the near future, it will increase our chances of participating in the First Conference of the Parties, where we will be able to be full participants in discussions on the conservation of the high seas and the sustainable use of its resources.
What benefits will we gain after ratifying the agreement?
1. We will be able to protect the Black and Azov Seas and have an advantage in disputes with Russia over them.
2. We will obtain a mechanism for recording Russia’s environmental crimes in the seas and oceans.
3. We will gain access to international scientific research and new opportunities for biotechnology.
4. We will be able to strengthen our country’s position in global environmental policy.
Ukraine must be among those who are ready to shape the rules of the game for the oceans and climate of the future. We call on the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine to begin the process of ratifying the Agreement on the High Seas – to appeal to the Cabinet of Ministers with a proposal to develop a corresponding draft law.
