Paris – Pakistan has called for ambitious and coordinated global efforts to protect the world’s oceans for future generations. The call was made by Pakistan’s Ambassador to France, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, during her address at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
In her statement, Ambassador Baloch emphasized the urgent need to address the degradation of marine ecosystems and resources. She highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to marine conservation, noting that national efforts alone are insufficient. She stressed the importance of international cooperation to effectively preserve and sustainably manage oceanic and coastal ecosystems.
The ambassador urged the global community to find comprehensive solutions for ocean protection by enhancing support through increased financing, technology transfer, and capacity building. She reiterated the importance of the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) in combating climate change and addressing environmental challenges.
Ambassador Baloch also announced Pakistan’s intention to become a signatory to the BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), demonstrating the country’s commitment to protecting marine biodiversity in international waters.
Raising a serious concern, the ambassador pointed to the deteriorating state of the Arabian Sea’s ecosystem due to unilateral actions by a neighboring country. She criticized the disruption of long-standing cooperative water-sharing agreements and accused the country of attempting to “weaponize water.”
She urged the international community to take notice of these actions, condemn such irresponsible behavior, and advocate for adherence to international laws and treaties.
