Urgent Plea: Pakistan Urges Global Action to Protect Oceans at UN Conference

At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, France, Pakistan urges global action to protect oceans, sending a strong message to the international community. In a compelling address, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, representing Pakistan, called for ambitious and coordinated international efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems for future generations.

“Isolated national efforts alone will not suffice to conserve and sustainably use our precious marine and coastal resources,” the ambassador stated during her remarks.

Pakistan’s firm stance underlines the country’s growing commitment to the sustainable use of marine biodiversity, as ocean degradation, pollution, and the impacts of climate change continue to accelerate.

Ambassador Baloch Advocates Marine Sustainability

Ambassador Baloch presented a strong case for scaling up global cooperation. She emphasized the need for increased support in the form of financing, technology transfer, and capacity building—elements critical for developing countries such as Pakistan to address the escalating challenges faced by marine environments.

Her message was rooted in the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, a key framework in international climate negotiations. She highlighted that countries with historical and greater contributions to environmental degradation must play a greater role in reversing damage to global oceans.

“We must work together to save our oceans—not just for today, but for the generations to come,” she said.

Commitment to the BBNJ Agreement

In a powerful announcement, Ambassador Baloch conveyed Pakistan’s intention to become a signatory to the BBNJ Agreement—The Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction.

The BBNJ Agreement, adopted in 2023, is a landmark treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), aimed at ensuring the conservation and equitable use of biodiversity in the high seas. By joining the treaty, Pakistan positions itself among forward-looking nations committed to protecting marine life beyond national waters.

Read more about the BBNJ Agreement (External, DoFollow link)

International Law and Regional Concerns

Ambassador Baloch also expressed grave concerns about environmental risks in the Arabian Sea, caused by unilateral actions taken by a neighboring country. Without naming names, she referred to the disruption of long-standing transboundary water-sharing agreements, which have negatively impacted the delicate marine ecosystems in the region.

She urged the global community to condemn the weaponization of water and called for strict adherence to international law and treaty obligations.

“Disrupting cooperative mechanisms endangers regional ecosystems and violates global principles of responsible environmental governance,” she stressed.

For a deeper dive into the Indus Waters Treaty and regional water diplomacy, read our in-depth coverage.

Pakistan’s Ocean Conservation Strategy

Despite its challenges, Pakistan is actively working on multiple fronts to protect its marine environment:

• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Pakistan has established MPAs in Sindh and Balochistan to preserve biodiversity.
• Mangrove Reforestation: Pakistan leads in mangrove plantation across the Arabian Sea coastline, restoring thousands of hectares.
• Pollution Control: National efforts include monitoring oil spills, reducing single-use plastic, and treating coastal industrial waste.
• Blue Economy Vision: The Ministry of Maritime Affairs promotes sustainable economic development through ocean-based industries.

According to a 2024 UNEP report, Pakistan’s coastal zones face a high risk of erosion, saltwater intrusion, and biodiversity loss due to unregulated coastal development and rising sea levels.

BBNJ: A Milestone for Marine Biodiversity

The BBNJ Treaty focuses on areas beyond national jurisdiction, which constitute nearly two-thirds of the global ocean. These areas have long remained unregulated and vulnerable to:

• Overfishing
• Deep-sea mining
• Marine pollution
• Climate-induced acidification

Pakistan’s participation in BBNJ would enable:

• Access to international funding
• Participation in marine genetic resources governance
• Scientific research collaboration
• Equitable sharing of benefits from marine resources

By taking this step, Pakistan sends a powerful message of solidarity with other Global South nations seeking fair representation in marine governance.

Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action

Pakistan’s urgent appeal at the UN Ocean Conference reiterates the importance of collective global responsibility. With its decision to join the BBNJ Agreement and advocate for enhanced international cooperation, Pakistan strengthens its voice as a responsible stakeholder in global ocean governance.

“Protecting oceans is not just about marine life—it is about ensuring a livable planet for all,” concluded Ambassador Baloch.

As nations gear up for the COP30 and further marine-related negotiations, Pakistan’s message stands as a timely reminder: the oceans can no longer be an afterthought—they must be a priority in climate diplomacy.

 Related Reading

• UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
• Pakistan’s Blue Economy Vision 2030
• India-Pakistan Water Disputes and Climate Risks