BELMOPAN, Belize, Sept 8, CMC- The Belize government has officially launched the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Implementation Project, which it says mark an important step in translating the country’s international ocean commitments into national action.
The BBNJ Agreement is a landmark international treaty established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that promotes the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
These areas, which comprise approximately two-thirds of the world’s ocean, are critical to global efforts to safeguard marine biodiversity and achieve the international commitment to conserve at least thirty percent of the ocean by 2030.
The government said that the launch ceremony formally marks the commencement of this important national initiative and provides an opportunity to highlight Belize’s efforts to advance implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, strengthen national coordination, and support the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Belize has been at the forefront of advancing the agreement, becoming the first Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to officially ratify it in 2024 and positions Belize as an early regional leader in advancing stronger international governance of the global ocean and helped build momentum for greater Caribbean participation.
The 18-month project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serving as the implementing partner. Scheduled to conclude in December 2027, the implementation of the agreement provides opportunities that extend beyond marine conservation.
The Ministry of Blue Economy & Marine Conservation said it creates pathways for the country to strengthen its participation in marine scientific research; build national, technical, and institutional capacity; access and benefit from the development and transfer of marine technology; and engage in the governance of marine genetic resources.
These opportunities are particularly significant for Small Island Developing States and complement Belize’s broader Blue Economy priorities.
Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Blue Economy & Marine Conservation, Beverly Wade, speaking at the launch, highlighted the importance of connecting Belize’s international engagement under the Agreement with its national ocean priorities.
“Internationally, BBNJ gives Belize an additional platform to protect the wider ocean systems upon which our prosperity and resilience depend, while opening pathways to knowledge, technology and partnerships that can strengthen our national agenda.”
Reflecting on Belize’s journey from negotiation to implementation of the agreement, Ambassador Janine Coye-Felson spoke of the importance of translating Belize’s international leadership into concrete national action.
“An agreement negotiated in New York must now be brought home. It must be translated from international commitments into national laws, capable institutions, scientific expertise, and tangible opportunities for our people,’ Coye-Felson said.
The BBNJ Implementation Project builds on Belize’s longstanding leadership in ocean governance and reinforces the country’s commitment to ensuring that conservation and sustainable use remain central to the management of the global ocean. It also strengthens Belize’s ability to advocate for an equitable international framework in which developing states can meaningfully participate in, contribute to, and benefit from the sustainable use of marine resources.
The government said it remains committed to working with its international and national stakeholders throughout the implementation period to strengthen Belize’s preparedness under the BBNJ Agreement and advance the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity for present and future generations.
CMC/ah/ir/2026