The Philippines has called for robust, transparent, and inclusive governance mechanisms in the implementation of a landmark global ocean treaty, citing its economic and environmental significance, particularly for archipelagic and developing states.
Speaking on behalf of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate emphasized that the country is committed to ensuring fairness in the operational rules of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, a 2023 United Nations treaty under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The pact aims to conserve marine biological diversity in international waters—areas that make up nearly half the planet’s surface and are increasingly recognized as critical to global food security and economic sustainability.
Bayate made her remarks during the first session of the BBNJ preparatory commission held last week in New York. She said that the Philippines, as a maritime nation heavily reliant on ocean resources, considers the treaty a pivotal opportunity to address emerging ocean challenges while safeguarding economic interests.
“The draft Rules of Procedure should prioritize transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency… while upholding the principles of UNCLOS, including equity, the common heritage of humankind, and the special circumstances of developing and archipelagic states,” Bayate said.
The BBNJ Agreement, which is still awaiting ratification by numerous countries, is set to establish a framework for the equitable sharing of marine resources and for enhancing conservation efforts in areas beyond national jurisdictions. For resource-dependent economies like the Philippines, its implementation is not just about environmental stewardship but also about securing long-term economic resilience and sustainable development.
Bayate also stressed the need for consensus-based decision-making, regional representation, gender balance, and the inclusion of indigenous peoples and non-party observers in treaty bodies. These, she said, are necessary to ensure that the benefits and responsibilities of marine governance are equitably distributed.
The DA supports the establishment of independent, regionally knowledgeable bodies such as scientific and technical committees and a compliance mechanism—tools viewed as essential to fostering trust and effectiveness in the treaty’s implementation.
As global leaders work to finalize operational details ahead of the treaty’s formal entry into force, the Philippines’ position underscores the growing recognition that marine biodiversity is not only an environmental imperative but also a cornerstone of economic policy.
