Kenyans have been urged to give their feedback on a UN-backed agreement meant to ensure sustainable use of marine biological diversity by Kenya and 59 other countries in areas beyond their national jurisdiction.
The agreement, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), was adopted in June 2023.
Principal Secretary in State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries, Betsy Njagi said Kenyans should submit written feedback on the agreement before Tuesday, 27 May.
The agreement will see nations equitably share marine benefits, including marine genetic resources and genetic information of marine species.
Additionally, under the agreement, companies that wish to conduct large-scale commercial activities, including deep-sea mining, will ensure that they do a thorough environmental impact assessment before kickstarting their operations.
According to the UN, the agreement will also be fundamental in ensuring countries transfer and share marine technology to support marine conservation and the sustainable use of marine resources.
UN said the 60 countries will be required to table their signature until September 23, 2025, before the agreement enters into force 120 days after the countries have ratified it.
"The agreement is open for signature by all states and regional economic integration organisations from 20 September 2023 to 20 September 2025, and will enter into force 120 days after the date of deposit of the sixtieth instrument of ratification, approval, acceptance or accession," the UN stated.
"The Agreement also addresses several 'cross-cutting issues', establishes a funding mechanism and sets up institutional arrangements, including a Conference of the Parties and various subsidiary bodies, a Clearing-House Mechanism and a secretariat."
According to the PS, the feedback should be submitted through her email or the Ministry's email before the deadline. Additionally, the PS has stated that the ministry will set up public forums that will enable people to discuss the agreement more extensively.
"The Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and the treaty-making and ratification Act Cap 4D required the public to participate in the decision-making process through the submission of comments to the ministry. It is in this spirit that the ministry requests the public to participate by submitting their comments through the provided address," she stated.
"All interested persons should submit written comments on the Agreement using the prescribed feedback forms for public comments to reach the undersigned not later than seven (7) days from the date of publication of this notice," she added.
