New York, United States of America-August 18, 2025
Liberia has joined nations around the world in New York for the Second Session of the Preparatory Commission for the High Seas Treaty, a landmark global pact under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The meeting, running from August 18 to 29, 2025, is being held at the UN Headquarters and focuses on preparations for the entry into force of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).
The High Seas Treaty represents the first international framework dedicated to safeguarding marine life beyond national borders. It establishes rules for the creation of marine protected areas, the sharing of marine genetic resources, and the enforcement of environmental impact assessments for activities in international waters.
Liberia’s delegation reflects a broad, multi-sectoral approach to ocean governance. It includes: Atty. Rosetta N. Jackollie, Assistant Minister for Legal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joseph F. Charles, BBNJ National Focal Point, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr. Austin Saye Wehye, Director for Research and Statistics, National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Mr. Bohmensahn B. Yuan, Director of Marine and Environmental Protection, Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), and Mr. Michael Forkpah Garbo, Executive Director, Society for the Conservation of Nature–Liberia (SCNL)
Together, these representatives highlight Liberia’s commitment to inclusive participation, bringing together government ministries, regulatory agencies, and civil society to shape the future of ocean protection.
Speaking ahead of the session, Mr. Joseph F. Charles emphasized that Liberia’s participation demonstrates its determination to ensure national and regional priorities are reflected in global decisions on ocean governance. He described the gathering as “a pivotal opportunity to align Liberia’s ecological, economic, and diplomatic interests with international commitments to safeguard the ocean.”
Liberia’s engagement in the treaty process also underscores its support for the global “30×30” goal—protecting 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030. The country recognizes the ocean’s critical role in preserving biodiversity, supporting food security, regulating climate, and driving sustainable development.
By taking part in this historic process, Liberia is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity protection, and regional collaboration under initiatives such as the Guinea Current Large Marine Ecosystem. With its active delegation in New York, Liberia is demonstrating leadership and vision in global ocean conservation and affirming its role as a vital partner in bringing the High Seas Treaty into force—for the benefit of present and future generations.
