**Pakistan Signs UN Treaty to Protect Marine Biodiversity in International Waters**
Pakistan has formally endorsed the United Nations’ landmark treaty to protect marine biodiversity in international waters, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar signing the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) concerning the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). This move signals Pakistan’s commitment to global efforts to safeguard marine resources in the high seas.
The BBNJ Agreement is a significant international framework aimed at regulating the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources in areas beyond the jurisdiction of any single nation. Often called the “high seas,” these regions are vital to ecological balance but are increasingly threatened by overexploitation and environmental harm.
Throughout the negotiation process, Pakistan played a central role. The country chaired the Group of 77 and China during the pivotal rounds of treaty discussions, advocating on behalf of developing countries. Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts were instrumental in ensuring that the treaty reflected the needs and concerns of the Global South, emphasizing fairness, inclusivity, and the recognition of the high seas as the common heritage of humanity.
By signing the BBNJ Agreement, Pakistan demonstrates its ongoing support for multilateral environmental governance and the responsible stewardship of marine ecosystems. This commitment advances not only Pakistan’s environmental objectives but also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 14, which seeks to conserve and use the oceans, seas, and marine resources in a sustainable manner.
