MONROVIA – The Republic of Liberia was represented at a high-level United Nations–patronized ceremony in Nice, France, marking the official entry into force of the landmark International Treaty on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Treaty).
Liberia’s delegation was led by Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, who attended the event on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia. The ceremony was held at the historic Quai Infernet, the venue of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), and brought together senior diplomats, UN officials, and representatives of ratifying states.
The entry into force of the BBNJ Treaty marks a major milestone in global environmental governance. For the first time, the international community has adopted a comprehensive and legally binding framework to conserve and sustainably manage marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction—commonly known as the high seas—which account for nearly half of the Earth’s surface.
Speaking through Liberia’s participation, Ambassador Yorlay reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to multilateral cooperation, environmental stewardship, and the protection of shared global resources. He underscored Liberia’s recognition of the oceans as a critical pillar of climate resilience, food security, sustainable development, and international trade.
As a long-standing maritime nation with one of the world’s largest shipping registries, Liberia considers healthy and well-governed oceans essential to the stability of the global maritime system and the sustainability of the blue economy. The BBNJ Treaty, officials noted, aligns with Liberia’s broader national and international commitments to responsible ocean governance and environmental protection.
The ceremony also highlighted the leadership role of France and the City of Nice in advancing global ocean action. Participants praised the successful convening of UNOC3, which helped galvanize international momentum for the rapid ratification of the treaty. To date, more than 80 countries have ratified the agreement, clearing the threshold required for its entry into force.
United Nations officials described the BBNJ Treaty as a transformational instrument that strengthens international cooperation on marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, marine genetic resources, and capacity-building for developing states. Its implementation is expected to significantly enhance the global response to biodiversity loss, climate change, and unsustainable exploitation of ocean resources.
Liberia’s presence at the ceremony, Ambassador Yorlay emphasized, reflects the country’s support for international legal instruments that promote equity, sustainability, and shared responsibility for the global commons.
He noted that effective implementation of the treaty will require continued cooperation, technical support, and inclusive participation, particularly for developing and maritime-dependent nations.
Liberia remains committed to advancing the objectives of the BBNJ Treaty in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 14: Life Below Water, which calls for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.