The Principality of Monaco participated in the opening of the first session of the the Intergovernmental Conference on the Conservation and Use of Marine Biodiversity to formulate a new Treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond the jurisdiction of States.

The session is being held in New York until September 17, and marks a historic milestone for the process initiated many years ago.

In its contribution to the debate, the Principality argued that this work should eventually lead to an ambitious Agreement, which will complement the existing regime, in particular set by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Among the many topics discussed, the Principality has made its voice heard by taking part in the setting up of marine protected areas on the high seas through global standards and processes. The Monegasque delegation is actively engaged in the work of this process with the dual objective of effectively ensuring the protection of marine resources and the marine environment and their sustainable use by future generations.