On the morning of September 20 (New York time), within the framework of the high-level week of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Foreign Minister Bui Than Son signed the Agreement on the Conservation and Use of Biodiversity for Sustainable Development. Waters beyond national jurisdiction.
Vietnam is one of the first countries to sign this agreement. More than 60 countries signed the agreement during the UN General Assembly high-level week. This agreement will become effective after approval and approval by 60 countries.
Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son signed the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in Waters Beyond National Jurisdiction. Photo: VGP
Responding to the press in New York, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said that the agreement is one of the most remarkable international treaties of the last decade.
first document
FirstAs the name suggests, the Treaty on the High Seas, this agreement regulates the exploitation, benefit sharing and conservation of marine genetic resources in international waters. It is a new potential resource, belonging to large marine areas, covering more than 60% of the surface area of the oceans, that do not belong to any country. Many areas on the ocean floor contain exceptionally rich ecosystems, containing many rare and precious genes of high value for scientific research and great economic potential, especially the ability to create medicines to treat serious diseases, pharmaceutical and Cosmetic production…
At present, almost only developed countries and private companies possessing leading marine technology and biotechnology, with abundant financial resources, are able to collect marine genetic resources and develop applications. earns profits, while there is no international document regulating profit sharing and the obligation to conserve these resources.
This agreement is the first document to comprehensively regulate the conservation and sustainable use of marine genetic resources in international waters.
mondayIn recent years, there has been a growing awareness and concern of the international community towards maritime issues and the law of the sea, especially in the context of depletion of marine resources due to overexploitation, environmental impacts and environmental pollution. Environmental pollution, negative impacts of climate change… Recognizing the importance of conserving genetic resources in deep and offshore areas, countries have sat together to develop a document. it. The signing of the agreement is the culmination of a long-term effort by the international community, a process spanning almost two decades, with official negotiations beginning in 2018, with the participation of most countries. Member states of the United Nations, including landlocked countries or non-members of the Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The fact that the draft agreement was approved by consensus last June, and the fact that a large number of participating countries signed the agreement at its inauguration, reflects the success of the negotiation process. And is a historic milestone in the efforts of. The international community to protect the marine environment, particularly in the context of implementing Sustainable Development Goal No. 14 on the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and marine resources, under the 2030 Agenda.
TuesdayIn addition to the goals of conservation and sustainable use, the agreement has opened up opportunities for developing countries to access, participate in research and benefit from genetic resources in international waters.
WednesdayThis is the third agreement negotiated and signed within the framework of the Convention on the Law of the Sea, and is a reaffirmation of the role and importance of the Convention as a legal framework for all activities in the sea and ocean.
important meaning for vietnam
For Vietnam, as a coastal country, “integrate the ideology and awareness of the status, role and significance of the ocean for the construction and security of the fatherland”, to develop Vietnam’s maritime economy as a sustainable development strategy by 2030. With a view to achieving 2045, Vietnam participated in the document negotiation process from the beginning.
The agreement is the result of a process of negotiation and compromise around different, even conflicting, views on exploitation and conservation; To encourage scientific research and capacity building and technology transfer; Share profits fairly. The success of the negotiations is very encouraging, especially for developing countries.
This agreement has many important meanings for Vietnam.
First, Vietnam is one of the first countries to sign the agreement within the framework of the working visit of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the UN General Assembly summit week, sending a strong message about Vietnam being a member of the UN. Used to be. Active and responsible members of the international community, joining hands with countries around the world to solve global problems, contributing to peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
Second, the Agreement continues to strengthen the system of legal instruments based on the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea in the management of seas and oceans towards the goal of sustainable development. The agreement ratifies the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea as the legal framework for all activities at sea. All maritime claims should not harm the general interests of the international community. The scope of international waters, where marine living resources belong to all humanity, should be determined in accordance with the Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.
Third, the agreement opens up opportunities for Vietnam and other developing countries to participate in scientific research, transfer marine technology, and benefit economically from the benefits of other countries. We have greater financial, scientific and technological capacity to exploit genetic resources in the high seas and share the benefits. This is particularly meaningful in the context of Vietnam’s Maritime Economic Development Strategy to 2030, a vision to 2045, which identifies “the development of science, technology and training of high-quality maritime human resources”… key successes and Realize the goal of “Vietnam becoming a strong maritime nation with sustainable development, prosperity, safety and security; maritime economy makes an important contribution to the economy” as one of the solutions. The national economy is contributing to making our country a modern industrial country with socialist orientation. ,
Fourth, the Agreement creates and encourages international cooperation mechanisms and regional maritime cooperation with the goal of conserving and sharing the benefits of marine genetic resources. These are opportunities for Vietnam to promote cooperation, strengthen the interconnectedness of interests, and contribute to the defense of the motherland from early and far away.
Fifth, Vietnam participated in the negotiation process from the beginning and made significant contributions to materials related to capacity building, technology transfer, and the establishment of marine protected areas. It contributes to realizing Vietnam’s maritime strategy vision of “participating actively and responsibly in resolving international and regional issues on the seas and oceans”, implementing the policy of striving to play a role in the future. “Play a key, leading and mediating role in multilateral fora of strategic importance to the country”, states Directive 25 of the Secretariat on Promoting and Enhancing Multilateral Foreign Relations by 2030.
next things to do
After signing, countries need to complete ratification and approval processes to officially become members of the agreement. This agreement will become effective 120 days after the joining of 60 member countries. Within 1 year from the date of entry into force of this Agreement, the Secretary-General of the United Nations shall convene the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties to this Agreement.
A number of important tasks will be discussed and decided at the first meeting of the Agreement Member Conference, including the negotiation and approval of the operating procedures of the agencies established under the Agreement, together with the Member Conference, deciding on the annual contribution rate of developed countries. Special Fund of Agreement, funding mechanism… UN Member States participating in the Intergovernmental Conference must follow this procedure if they wish to deploy and preserve the results achieved in the negotiations. To follow the process closely and contribute to the full and effective implementation of the agreement, the first thing is to get the agreement approved early.
