LKI- EU conference on ‘Biodiversity beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement’

The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI), in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, hosted their fourth joint conference titled: ‘Biodiversity beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.’ The conference was also supported by the Max Planck Foundation and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. The session was inaugurated by M.U.M Ali Sabry MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs and chairman of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, and Carmen Moreno, Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Delivering the opening remarks, Amb. Ravinatha Aryasinha, Executive Director of LKI, thanked the European Union for supporting the conference and remaining committed to strong ocean governance and maritime security in the Indian Ocean. The Executive Director also outlined the importance of incorporating the BBNJ Agreement into multilateral development strategies, especially with the current backdrop of Sri Lanka’s Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the upcoming Conference of Parties in December 2023.

M.U.M Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasised Sri Lanka’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable economic growth with ocean resources at the heart of the country’s strategy. In the context of the Foreign Minister’s recent visit to Mauritius in his capacity as the Chair of the IORA Council of Ministers, he reiterated Sri Lanka’s priorities under the theme “Strengthening Regional Architecture: Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity” and how international cooperation beyond national jurisdiction is vital for dealing with the consequences of climate change.

The conference featured two panel discussions that focused on different aspects of the BBNJ Agreement, bringing together ambassadors, diplomats, practitioners and Sri Lankan and international experts in law, governance and conservation. The panelists discussed and analyzed a wide range of issues relating to the BBNJ Agreement and emphasized the important role of international legislation in upholding marine conservation commitments and preserving biodiversity in the Indian Ocean and beyond.