Mauritania has just taken a major step forward for ocean protection. The Mauritanian government has approved the ratification of the international BBNJ Treaty (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), which aims to safeguard biodiversity in the High Seas, beyond waters under national jurisdiction. The government also approved four additional protocols to the Abidjan Convention.
This positive development comes right after the national workshop on BBNJ, held on Wednesday in Nouakchott. The workshop brought together parliamentarians, civil society members, and representatives from the public and private sectors. It was financially supported by PRCM (Regional Coastal and Marine Conservation Programme), which has been working for years to raise awareness about this treaty in the region.
A national workshop to raise awareness of the BBNJ agreement was held in Nouakchott yesterday, Wednesday.
The BBNJ Treaty was adopted in June 2023 by the United Nations after over 15 years of negotiations. It establishes provisions for marine protected areas, equitable sharing of marine genetic resources, and enhanced support for developing countries in managing the High Seas.
To date, 21 countries worldwide have ratified the treaty, with three in African country—Seychelles, Malawi, Mauritius—among them. Mauritania is now positioning itself as a pioneer in formally committing to this process. Other African nations are expected to follow soon. A total of 60 ratifications are required for the treaty to enter into force.
This issue will also be a key topic at the upcoming UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), scheduled for June 2025 in Nice, France. PRCM will participate to highlight ongoing efforts in the region.
Additionally, PRCM is conducting advocacy work to encourage other African governments to ratify the treaty. It plans to organize a regional workshop in Cabo Verde from May 13 to 15, focusing on the High Seas.
With this decision, Mauritania is sending a strong signal for ocean conservation and setting an example for the entire region.
