New York, 20 June 2023 (TDI): Chile’s active engagement in marine conservation efforts is evident through its participation in two significant events. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is conducting its third special meeting in Chile, addressing urgent matters within the Antarctic Treaty System.
Additionally, Chile played a crucial role in the adoption of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) at a United Nations meeting in New York.
CCAMLR’s Special Meeting in Chile
The third special meeting of CCAMLR is taking place in Chile from June 19 to June 23, 2023. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Gloria de la Fuente took the podium to open the highly anticipated meeting.
She also highlighted Chile’s dual identity as an oceanic and Antarctic country. Moreover, she underlined the significance of the meeting in advancing urgent matters within the Antarctic Treaty System.
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Importance of the Meeting
The primary focus of the meeting is to establish a roadmap for the creation of a comprehensive system of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Antarctica. Minister de la Fuente emphasized the pressing need for substantial progress in this area.
She urged participants to intensify their efforts and engage in sincere dialogue to reach crucial agreements during the gathering.
Global Collaboration for Environmental Challenges
Minister de la Fuente highlighted the vital role of international collaboration in addressing worldwide challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution.
In addition, the minister highlighted the necessity of taking additional steps to protect Antarctica, including the creation of adaptive and resilient spaces for ecosystems, habitats, and species to respond effectively to the impacts of climate change.
CCAMLR’s Role and Achievements
CCAMLR, composed of 27 members, including 26 countries and the European Union, has played a significant role in international cooperation on conservation efforts. They have focused on combating illegal fishing, reducing seabird mortality, and promoting sustainable fisheries management.
However, the organization operates on consensus, adhering to principles that ensure the rational use of Antarctic marine living resources.
Chile’s Contribution to the BBNJ Agreement
Alberto van Klaveren, Chile’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the United Nations meeting in New York, where the BBNJ was adopted. Chile’s active involvement, spanning over ten years of negotiations, led to significant advancements in marine conservation objectives.
En el marco de su participación en el encuentro de adopción del texto del acuerdo #BBNJ, el ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, @AlbertoKlaveren, se reunió con el secretario general de @ONU_es, António Guterres. pic.twitter.com/39fQIKWCAZ
— Cancillería Chile 🇨🇱 (@Minrel_Chile) June 19, 2023
Chile’s Active Engagement
Minister Alberto van Klaveren presented the BBNJ agreement at the United Nations, receiving unanimous support. Chile played a crucial role in the negotiations, advocating ambitious goals and collaborating effectively. Minister van Klaveren expressed satisfaction after more than 15 years of discussions.
He proposed Valparaiso, a historic port city on the Pacific Ocean, as the ideal location for the Secretariat. Because it aligns with Chile’s ocean-focused foreign policy, it aims to expedite implementation and ensure representation from the Global South.
Implementation and Future Steps
Once the BBNJ agreement is adopted, countries will have the opportunity to sign it after the agreement is signed by a sufficient number of states, specifically when the 60th instrument of ratification is deposited. It will become effective after a waiting period of 90 days.
When the BBNJ agreement is in effect, the United Nations Secretary-General will arrange the first Conference of the Parties (COP). This conference will take place within a year. This conference will provide a platform for countries to come together and discuss. They will work together to put the agreement into action.
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