On duty for the Ocean

On 4 June, Norway ratified the new international ocean agreement (BBNJ) at the United Nations in New York. With this, Norway takes a leading role in the global effort to protect the world’s oceans and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources.

'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,' said 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 HRH Crown Prince Haakon, the Minister of International Development, the Minister of Climate and Environment and the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy will participate.

Read the full story: Norway ratifies the BBNJ Agreement – “On duty for the Ocean” - regjeringen.no