MANILA, Sept. 12 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday voiced support for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in seeking Senate concurrence for the ratification of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

The BBNJ Agreement, adopted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), aims to conserve biodiversity in the high seas and promote the sustainable management of marine resources beyond national jurisdictions.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the treaty is key to strengthening global marine protection.

"The BBNJ Agreement is crucial for conserving and sustainably managing marine biodiversity...