On Thursday, 12 February 2026, a national workshop was convened with key stakeholders to advance discussions on the domestication of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.

The BBNJ Agreement aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction through measures such as marine genetic resources management, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and capacity building. For Kiribati, this process strengthens ocean governance, builds national capacity, and supports the long-term protection of our marine resources.

Key outcomes of the workshop included discussions on the domestication process, clarification of stakeholder roles and responsibilities, the establishment of a national BBNJ Committee, identification of focal points, and development of the draft Terms of Reference for the Committee.

This marks an important step in Kiribati’s efforts to domesticate the BBNJ agreement it has ratified, ensuring that the obligations, principles, and measures under the BBNJ framework are progressively reflected within national systems and processes. Kiribati reaffirms its’ commitment to global efforts to safeguard marine biodiversity for present and future generations.