BBNJ Workshops for the Caribbean and Latin America in Belize and Chile

UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat's Participation in BBNJ Workshops for the Caribbean and Latin America in Belize and Chile

In a concerted effort to enhance regional cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat participated in workshops held in October 2024 in Belize (7-11) and Chile (14-18), focused on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement for the Caribbean and Latin America, respectively. Both workshops were organized by the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS). They brought together experts, government officials, and representatives from various organizations working to promote the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

At both events, Susana Perera Valderrama, the SPAW Programme Officer, presented how the Cartagena Convention and its protocols contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction and vice versa. The discussions underscored the importance of promoting synergies between the BBNJ Agreement and the Cartagena Convention and its protocols, demonstrating how an integrated approach can reinforce regional conservation efforts.

Representatives from UNEP’s Caribbean Subregional Office and the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) also shared initiatives undertaken by UNEP to support member states in ratifying the BBNJ Agreement. The importance of promote close collaboration among countries was emphasized to ensure the effective implementation of the BBNJ, enabling more efficient management of marine resources.

Both workshops served as platforms for knowledge exchange and experience sharing, underscoring the importance of a regional approach to marine biodiversity protection. As the BBNJ Agreement moves closer to entering into force, these meetings not only reinforce the commitment of Latin American and Caribbean countries but also lay the groundwork for ongoing collaboration in ocean conservation.