Thank you Madam Vice-President.

The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for these reports.

The ocean is essential for all life on Earth. As the legal framework for all activities in the ocean, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [UNCLOS] is fundamental to its protection, and an essential enabler for a healthy planet, global prosperity and security. The UK is committed to ratifying the UNCLOS BBNJ [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction] Implementing Agreement, and to seeing it enter into force as quickly as possible.

The UK chairs the Global Ocean Alliance of 77 countries that champions ambitious ocean action. The Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, adopted last year, recognised the need for collective action, and emphasised the need to ensure participation and empowerment of all people in ocean-related decision making and benefit-sharing.

The report on the Special Rapporteur’s visit to the Maldives brings into focus the need for global cooperation in tackling the climate and nature crisis. The UK’s Foreign Secretary has made clear his commitment to forging a more equal partnership with the Global South. Without this, there can be no climate stability.

Special Rapporteur, what more can States do to support those on the frontline of the impacts of the climate and nature emergency?

Thank you.