Letter of the Day | Congratulations on ratifying BBNJ treaty — now let’s rethink deep-sea mining

THE EDITOR, Madam:

On June 9, Jamaica became one of 18 countries that ratified the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) also known as the High Seas Treaty, bringing the total to 50 (at the time of writing) – just 10 short of the 60 needed for the treaty to enter into force. This increase in support, which took place during the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, marks growing global momentum toward a historic shift in how the world governs the open ocean.

Ratification of the BBNJ Agreement signifies that Jamaica agrees to uphold the Agreement’s principles, including the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which make up nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans. It is a welcome step toward protecting fragile marine ecosystems and strengthening international cooperation for sustainable ocean governance.

This commitment, however, sits uneasily alongside Jamaica’s ongoing role as a sponsoring state for deep-sea mining (DSM) – an industry that threatens the very ecosystems the BBNJ Agreement aims to safeguard. Deep-sea mining carries the risk of irreversible harm to largely unexplored and poorly understood habitats.

If Jamaica is serious about protecting ocean biodiversity, it must reconcile this contradiction. Aligning our national policies with our international commitments means rethinking our support for DSM and putting the long-term health of our oceans first.

Jamaica should reconsider its support for deep sea mining and join the growing global call for a moratorium – a long-term pause – on this risky industry. Doing so would ensure that our actions truly align with the spirit and intent of the BBNJ Agreement.

JAMAICA ENVIRONMENT

TRUST

JAMAICA CLIMATE CHANGE

YOUTH COUNCIL

ECOVYBZ ENVIRONMENTAL

CREATIVES