Madam President,
Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of the European Union and would like to add a few remarks in a national capacity.
With an 8,000 km-long coastline at the center of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy is a country deeply connected to the seas by nature, history, culture and economy.
41 years after the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the consensual adoption of the BBNJ Agreement represents a historic achievement for multilateralism and a fundamental milestone in the promotion of global governance on the oceans based on the rule of law.
While preserving and recognizing the balance of rights and duties of States enshrined in the UNCLOS, the BBNJ implementing agreement provides an enhanced and structured protection of the sea environment for the present and future generations. Its normative and institutional architecture will foster international cooperation in the adoption of effective measures aimed at protecting the delicate ecosystems of our seas and oceans.
Together with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted last December, the BBNJ Agreement represents an important step towards the achievement of the 30 by 30 goal. Its swift ratification and implementation will be key to achieving that goal.
We are also satisfied that the mechanisms envisaged in the Agreement promoting the transfer of marine technologies to developing countries will be instrumental to making this project truly universal and to fostering knowledge, conservation and sustainable use of the precious biodiversity inhabiting the oceans.
We also note with appreciation that the dispute settlement mechanisms envisaged in UNCLOS are imported in the BBNJ Agreement, and that it will be possible for the future COP to seek advisory opinions from ITLOS on its draft decisions. Those judicial mechanisms will strengthen the legal regime by preventing and settling disputes over the interpretation and application of the Agreement.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea and all UN Secretariat for their invaluable support throughout the negotiating process.
Finally, Madam President, Italy would like to thank you for your leadership and vision in taking this complex process to the finish line. Without your optimism, tireless determination and diplomatic skills, yesterday’s adoption would not have been possible.
