President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has taken a significant step by deciding to submit the text of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction to the Parliament for approval. This decision was made after discussions on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology.

The Agreement in question, also known as the BBNJ Treaty (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), is a global initiative aimed at protecting the biological diversity of marine ecosystems in open seas beyond national jurisdiction. The objective of the BBNJ Treaty is to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in these areas, both in the present and in the long term. This is to be achieved through the effective implementation of relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and further international cooperation and coordination.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Technology highlighted the importance of the participation of small island nations, such as the Maldives, in the BBNJ Treaty. This is particularly relevant for protecting and sustaining marine life in the open seas. It's noted that the BBNJ Treaty already has 83 signatory nations, indicating widespread international support.The submission of the agreement to the Parliament for approval suggests a commitment by the Maldives to contribute to global efforts in conserving marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of resources beyond national jurisdiction. The decision reflects the recognition of the importance of international cooperation in addressing issues related to open seas and marine life conservation.