Our experts not only participated in discussions, but also facilitated the debate on the most important areas, CARICOM stressed.

It included representatives of the region’s Permanent Missions to the United Nations and experts who were supported by scientists and legal experts from the region’s institutions.

Among others, CARICOM mentioned the Ambassador of Belize Janine Coye Felson who is responsible for the bloc’s area-based management tools and was also called upon by the conference chair to facilitate the group on marine genetic resources.

Our joint efforts to successfully negotiate this Treaty are proceedings to what we can do when we are united, Felson stressed.

Known as the High Seas Treaty, this legal instrument will place 30% of the world’s oceans in protected areas, allocate more money for preservation and to cover access to and use of marine genetic resources.

UN Secretary-General (UNSG) António Guterres said in a statement this is a breakthrough after nearly 20 years of negotiations.

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