Why Inland African Union-Member States should Ratify, Domesticate and Implement the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABBNJ) Agreement : Information Note

Abstract

The ABBNJ Agreement presents opportunity especially for the inland African Union Member States to be part of the Global framework regarding management of Marine Biological Diversity as well as the non–Biological Resources. The Agreement (High Seas Treaty) matters to in-land Countries because it establishes equitable benefits and capacity-building for Marine Genetic Resources and sustainable use of Ocean resources, recognizing that all Nations share in the “Common Heritage of Humankind” principle, despite their lack of direct access to the Sea.