Maldives Sets Sights on Sustainable Development Through Marine

Sri Lanka has submitted the "Instrument of Ratification" for the Convention on the Protection, Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Life and Areas (BBNJ) to the United Nations. This announcement was made by Foreign Minister Musa Zameer during a special ceremony at the 79th UN General Assembly.

On September 3, Sri Lanka signed the BBNJ Convention, making it the ninth nation to ratify the agreement. Additionally, the country also ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury, becoming the 150th signatory to this treaty aimed at reducing toxic emissions.

Both treaties were approved by the Sri Lankan Parliament on May 13. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to protecting marine environments and ensuring sustainable practices, while also prioritizing health and environmental safety against hazardous substances. The BBNJ Convention, adopted by the UN, will remain open for signatures until September 20, further encouraging global cooperation in marine conservation.