Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim met with Under Secretary General for Legal Affairs Elinor Jane Britt Hammarskjöld to discuss the implementation of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).

Senior officials from the Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea Divisions, which currently serve as the Interim Secretariat for the BBNJ Agreement, also attended the meeting.

The meeting primarily focused on securing support for the national implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, with particular emphasis on capacity-building opportunities for small island nations.

During the meeting, Minister Thoriq emphasised the importance of implementing the BBNJ Agreement for the Maldives, highlighting the country’s reliance on marine resources. He expressed appreciation for the United Nations' support and assistance in this effort.

The BBNJ Agreement is an international treaty focused on the sustainable use and conservation of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. It aims to protect marine life while ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from these ocean resources.