The Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, signed, on Wednesday in New York, the BBNJ Treaty which is an international agreement on the protection of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, thus making Mauritius one of the first signatories.
In a statement, Prime Minister Jugnauth highlighted that this action represents a turning point in ensuring that International Law and the Law of the Ocean are adhered to.
According to him, Mauritius being party to the BBNJ Treaty demonstrates that the country is determined to play an active role in the protection of the oceans. The Treaty, moreover, recognises the specificities of Island States, and Mauritius will thus benefit from the sharing of expertise and technologies with the international community, said the Prime Minister.
More than sixty other countries are expected to sign the BBNJ Treaty by the end of this week. The signatories to the agreement remain confident that the number of signatures required for the ratification will quickly be reached.
It is recalled that Mauritius contributed to the development of this Treaty which will allow the country to participate in global efforts to protect marine biodiversity, even beyond its Exclusive Economic Zone.
