Chile is taking significant steps to protect ocean biodiversity through its commitment to the BBNJ treaty, emphasizing the importance of sustainable ocean use and conservation for future generations.
The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface, produces half of the planet's oxygen, and is home to the majority of Earth's biodiversity. It provides protein for over a billion people worldwide. However, today, pollution, overfishing, and climate change are threatening marine biodiversity. Alarmingly, only 1% of the ocean's surface is currently protected. The international community is becoming increasingly aware of the dangers these threats pose to humanity's future, recognizing that protecting and sustainably using the ocean is one of the most urgent tasks for the well-being of current and future generations.
The agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, commonly known as the BBNJ treaty, aims to address these challenges by protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring sustainability. Chile has been committed to this agreement from the outset, understanding the ocean's significance to the nation. With over 4,000 kilometers of coastline, Chile has developed a deep connection with the Pacific Ocean and values its preservation.
Chile's commitment to ocean protection is fundamental. The country was the first in the Americas and the second in the world to sign the BBNJ treaty. Chile takes pride in offering its city of Valparaíso as the official headquarters for the BBNJ treaty. The nation is dedicated to continuing its efforts in ocean conservation, recognizing the ocean's critical role in combating climate change and its importance to humanity and the entire ecosystem.
Chile has established itself as an international reference for sustainable fishing practices and the creation of marine protected areas, which currently cover 43% of its jurisdictional waters. The country has also proposed a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, among other initiatives.
Valparaíso, strategically located just an hour and a half from the capital, is a city that has woven its history and tradition around the ocean. Known as the "Jewel of the Pacific" by sailors, Valparaíso is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated by poets, painters, and musicians alike. The city combines the ocean's cultural heritage with the modern advantages of the capital and Chile's connectivity to the world.
Chile has proposed Valparaíso as the headquarters for the BBNJ secretariat, receiving unanimous support from authorities and civil society groups. This proposal reflects a collective commitment from all of Chile, including its highest authorities and civil society organizations.
The proposal for the secretariat in Valparaíso represents a serious promise of transparency, inclusion, and accountability. It also presents an opportunity to advance the decentralization of global ocean governance, which is currently heavily concentrated in cities of the Global North. This initiative aims to provide the United Nations with an efficient and vigorous headquarters in this corner of the planet, well-connected and actively engaged with the world's largest ocean.
Valparaíso invites the world to join in protecting the ocean we all deserve and must safeguard for future generations. Chile's commitment to ocean conservation is not just a national priority but a global call to action for sustainable practices and biodiversity protection in our oceans.
