'Today, I am proud and delighted to announce that Norway has ratified and will join as the 31st party to the BBNJ Agreement. Protecting the world’s oceans requires collective effort from all countries. This is why Norway has been a driving force in landing this Agreement,' says Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
Ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction make up about two-thirds of the world’s oceans. The Agreement is a key contribution to improving the governance of these areas and enables better cross-sectoral cooperation for a healthier ocean. 30 countries have already ratified the Agreement, and 60 parties are needed for it to enter into force. Norway’s ratification is an important contribution to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, 9–13 June, where H.R.H Crown Prince Haakon, the Minister of International Development, the Minister of Climate and Environment and the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy will participate. The Norwegian Parliament unanimously approved the ratification on 26 May, and the Government formally decided to ratify the agreement in Council of State on 27 May.
'The Parliament, civil society, business and academia all support Norway’s ratification. Now we must ensure that the Agreement enters into force as soon as possible, - and for that, we need all countries on board,' says Eide.
Norway has also adopted new legislation to implement the Agreement. The Agreement will become an integral part of Norway’s international ocean policy and engagement.
'This new international ocean agreement will help us reach the goal from the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework of protecting 30 percent of marine areas by 2030. The Agreement makes it possible to conserve more of the marine environment in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The Agreement will also ensure that environmental impacts are assessed before activities take place in these areas,' said Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
As part of its development policy, the Norwegian Government will contribute NOK 500,000 (49 000 USD) to the trust fund supporting developing countries’ participation in the Preparatory Commission for the Agreement.
'Norway is glad to be on board. We want to ensure that all countries can help shape the future of ocean governance. That is essential for fair and effective implementation,' said Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust.
'As a fisheries and ocean nation, we know that sustainable ocean management is crucial for future food security, jobs and biodiversity. This Agreement gives us a shared framework to take that responsibility,' said Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss.