Biodiversity refers to the diversity of living things on Earth at different levels, such as species, genetics and ecosystems. As the cornerstone of life on our planet, Biodiversity is critical for humanity’s continued existence. Marine Biodiversity is affected by many issues such as fishing and overfishing, climate change, pollution and invasive alien species. Biodiversity, which represents the richness of nature, has been under serious threat in recent years due to climate change and environmental pollution. In the long run, this situation may endanger not only human life but all life on earth.

Marine Biodiversity is an important component of the sustainability of life and a healthy environment. In this connection, issues that are directly linked to the ecosystem, such as climate change and environmental pollution, have repercussions on biodiversity. Harmful events on a global and regional scale pose great risks. In this framework, legally binding international conventions have been adopted to prevent irreversible losses and protect biodiversity. The process of developing international conventions to protect marine biodiversity is ongoing.

In this regard, DEHUKAM provides technical and legal support to the activities carried out under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), to which Türkiye is a party. The CBD aims to conserve marine biodiversity, promote its sustainable use and prevent damage to ecosystems. The CBD is an important instrument supporting international efforts to conserve marine biodiversity through marine protected areas. The Convention plays a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of marine ecosystems and transferring the biodiversity of the world’s seas to future generations. Türkiye was among the first signatories of the Convention and ratified it in 1996. Currently, 196 states and the European Union (EU) are parties to the CBD Convention. The Convention is one of the most globally recognized environmental conventions.

DEHUKAM was designated as the focal point and coordination point between the BBNJ Secretariat and relevant institutions at the coordination meeting held on March 23, 2021 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the negotiations on the Agreement on Biological Diversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). In this context, coordination meetings were organized at regular intervals with the participation of officials from relevant Ministries. BBNJ regulates the sustainable use, conservation and management of the seas. Each of these issues constitute important agenda items in the international law of the sea. Within the scope of the BBNJ, fisheries, submarine mining activities, biodiversity conservation, marine biotechnology and other marine resource issues attract particular attention. DEHUKAM actively participated in the BBNJ negotiations and effectively followed all the processes. DEHUKAM continues to support the efforts to become a party to the BBNJ Treaty.