The BBNJ Agreement, relating to the conservation and sustainable exploitation of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, represents a crucial step forward for the preservation of the oceans, underlined Zakia Driouich, Secretary of State in charge of maritime fishing. During a regional workshop in Rabat, Driouich highlighted Morocco’s role in consolidating a concerted African vision around key issues, such as marine protected areas and the equitable sharing of marine genetic resources.
She also recalled the Kingdom’s commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to promote an inclusive and sustainable blue economy. In this context, Ms. Driouich highlighted the Royal Initiative offering landlocked African states strategic access to the Atlantic, reflecting strong regional solidarity.
For his part, Daniele Dotto, deputy representative of the European Union, announced an “ocean” program with 40 million euros to support developing countries in the ratification and implementation of the agreement. Nathalie Fustier, United Nations coordinator in Morocco, for her part welcomed this agreement as a major lever for achieving the sustainable development goals by 2030.
The workshop, organized by the United Nations with the support of the EU, brings together more than 120 African and international participants. It aims to strengthen the technical and legal capacities necessary for the effective implementation of the BBNJ agreement, while supporting African States in their accession and ratification process.
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