Thailand has signed the United Nations Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, or the BBNJ agreement, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Thailand’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, took part in the signing ceremony in New York on Thursday, which officially made Thailand the 113th nation to sign the BBNJ agreement.
“The signing highlights Thailand’s determination to support global efforts to protect marine biodiversity,” said Mr Cherdchai. “It reflects our commitment to contribute to the sustainable management of ocean resources.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that while the signing is an important step, it does not yet signify full ratification of the agreement.
“This is the beginning of a process, and we will continue to work with state agencies to review domestic laws and ensure Thailand benefits from the mechanisms outlined in the agreement,” it said.
The BBNJ agreement, adopted in June 2023 by the United Nations, is the third agreement related to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
It addresses four major issues: marine genetic resources, environmental protection, marine protected areas, and capacity-building for the transfer of marine technology.
The agreement also establishes a funding mechanism and various institutional bodies to ensure its implementation.
The agreement is open for signing by all states and regional economic organisations until September 2025 and will come into force 120 days after it is ratified by 60 countries.