Beijing, January 21 - China today highlighted the entry into force of the Marine Biodiversity Agreement as a milestone in global ocean governance and announced its decision to request that the treaty’s secretariat be established in the city of Xiamen.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guo Jiakun, stated at a press conference that the agreement, effective since January 17, is a historic international treaty under the framework of the United Nations.
Guo noted that the entry into force of the instrument opens a new phase for global governance in the marine field.
The spokesperson indicated that, in order to promote the agreement’s objectives and safeguard the general interests of the international community, China decided to request that the treaty’s secretariat be based in Xiamen.
According to the spokesperson, China notified this decision to the UN Secretary-General on January 16.
The Marine Biodiversity Agreement currently has 82 States Parties and the European Union, and seeks to strengthen the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction.
