Government of Samoa Hosts National Workshop on the Ratification and Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement

The workshop aims to serve as a familiarisation exercise for national agencies, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are aware of their respective roles and responsibilities under the BBNJ Agreement. It will also provide an overview of existing national legislation/regulations/policies that are relevant for the effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

IUCN has been actively involved in the BBNJ process from the outset, facilitating informed decision-making guided by science and expert knowledge shared with our State Members and partners.  As the largest and oldest international environmental organisation, IUCN Oceania proudly supports national governments in the Pacific, in coordination with OPOC, to advance our collective goals for the conservation and sustainable use of Marine Biological Diversity Beyond National Jurisdictions.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago, Regional Director of IUCN Oceania Regional Office stated, “The BBNJ Agreement is crucial for Oceania, reflecting our deep connection to the ocean as part of our cultural heritage and identity. This region relies on the ocean for sustenance, livelihoods, and sustainability. As traditional custodians of the world’s largest ocean, Oceania faces challenges such as overexploitation and climate change. The BBNJ Agreement provides a framework for collective action, promoting collaboration and ecosystem-based approaches to conservation.” 

She highlighted that IUCN convened a BBNJ workshop in Gland, Switzerland, in September 2023, emphasising the need to expand knowledge of the BBNJ Agreement within a broader community. “This requires sustained engagement and flexible funding to support national governments in conserving marine resources beyond national jurisdiction. Coordination of messages and outreach will be essential to avoid confusion among stakeholders.”

“Over the next two days, the partnership between the Government of Samoa, OPOC, and IUCN will advance Samoa’s goals for ratifying the BBNJ Agreement. This national dialogue will facilitate contributions from all stakeholders to address relevant issues,” she said.

Ms. Toelupe Tago also stated that IUCN's support for the BBNJ Agreement builds on its broader work on Marine Protected Areas, integrating its efforts both within and beyond national jurisdictions. 

“IUCN's engagement is part of the Implementation of the BBNJ project, funded by Oceans 5 and the Bloomberg Philanthropies Oceans Initiative, to support the ratification of the BBNJ Agreement by Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. With financial assistance from Oceans 5 and the Bloomberg Philanthropies Oceans Initiative, we are collaborating with Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu over the next 12 months to conduct legislative reviews and capacity building. This will help identify gaps in legal frameworks, paving the way for full ratification of the BBNJ Agreement and enabling the sharing of lessons among Pacific Island countries to accelerate conservation goals. We aim to continue this support across Oceania in collaboration with OPOC agencies and our donor partners,” she added. 

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Government of Samoa, Madam Peseta Noumea Simi also remarked, " This agreement is significant for ensuring the collective management of our shared ocean resources and the conservation of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. A key aspect is its commitment to fair and equitable access to marine genetic resources.”

“For Samoa, protecting marine biodiversity is essential to our way of life. Our fisheries, marine tourism, and coastal communities depend on healthy ecosystems. In 2023, Samoa signed the BBNJ Agreement after extensive negotiations, reaffirming our commitment as a large ocean state,” she said.

She also mentioned, “The BBNJ Agreement strengthens global efforts to safeguard biodiversity, preventing overexploitation and ensuring that marine resources are managed equitably and sustainably, especially in our Pacific region.

Pacific Ocean Commissioner, Dr. Filimon Manoni joined the workshop virtually and commended the commitments of the regional and global partners and stakeholders in the ocean conservation and management space.

He also highlighted Samoa's resilient leadership during the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) in New York which was pivotal in the adoption of the BBNJ Agreement on June 19, 2023.

"This national workshop demonstrates Samoa's continued commitment and leadership in the BBNJ space, from negotiations to ratification. The BBNJ instruments mark a new era for ocean governance, emphasizing inclusivity and equity. Ratifying the agreement is vital to realizing our region's ambitions.”

Dr. Filimon acknowledged the progress in the region, with the Republic of the Marshall Islands ratifying the agreement and Kiribati signing it on March 12.

“I thank the Government of Samoa and IUCN for organizing this workshop. Our joint efforts will contribute to achieving cooperation and coherence in our regional approach to the BBNJ Agreement."

As the workshop concludes, it reinforces Samoa’s leadership in advancing the ratification and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. The outcomes of this workshop will contribute to strengthening national frameworks, fostering regional cooperation, and ensuring that Pacific Island nations are well-equipped to uphold their shared commitment to ocean governance.