At the hybrid event, speakers and international experts said the BBNJ Agreement is proof of the international community’s commitment to protecting marine biodiversity in international waters and promoting multilateralism while striking a balance between exploitation and conservation.

Exploiting the deep international seabed requires developing and finalizing regulations on the deep seabed based on scientific data and environmental impact assessments that are founded on precautionary principles, said experts at the dialogue. 

According to the experts, the BBNJ Agreement brings both opportunities and challenges. In the East Sea, the Agreement enhances cooperation in capacity building, technology transfer, marine science, and strategic environmental impact assessments of maritime space.

Policymakers, scientists, governments, international organisations, and the private sector all have a hand in achieving the goal of conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources, said the delegates.

The 13th Ocean Dialogue was held by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Institute in Vietnam to raise awareness among policy makers and scientists of the importance of the BBNJ Agreement.