Ambassador to the United Nations (U.N.) Hwang Joon-kook (left) on March 19 presents Korea's instrument of ratification of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction to David Nanopoulos, chief of the U.N.'s Treaty Section in New York. (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries)

By Jeon Misun

Korea is the first East Asian country and 21st overall to ratify the Agreement under the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

The government on March 20 announced that it completed domestic ratification of the BBNJ Agreement and submitted a document of ratification to the U.N. the day before.

The accord seeks to set up an international legal framework for preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring its sustainable use in areas beyond national borders.

Adopted by the U.N. in June 2023, the treaty was open to signatures from that September, with Korea joining the next month. After undergoing domestic procedures, the ratification bill was passed by the National Assembly on March 13 this year.

Once the agreement enters into force, the expected higher level of marine biodiversity protection will include the designation of marine protected areas, launch of environmental impact assessments and strengthening of capacity of developing countries.

The treaty will take effect 120 days after 60 countries ratify it. Korea's participation is considered a major contribution to international efforts to protect the oceans.

The government plans to reinforce global cooperation in this issue by proactively taking part in talks to revise domestic laws and form a maritime governance structure to implement this agreement.

msjeon22@korea.kr