United States, Aug. 25 -- As negotiators re-convene in New York this week to debate a new treaty on biodiversity in ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), Kiribati has reminded negotiators to ensure the new treaty will not undermine existing fisheries management frameworks in the Pacific.
Kiribati's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Teburoro Tito referred to successful regional co-operation with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) that are already bringing huge economic returns to island nations in the Pacific.
"If the new global treaty is going to do anything that will lessen our benefits from our tuna, then I will say the new agreeme...