Angola signed the High Seas Treaty, an international instrument aimed at conserving and sustainably utilizing marine biodiversity in areas beyond countries’ jurisdictions.
The document was signed by the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Carmen do Sacramento, on Wednesday, January 22, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Carmen do Sacramento, a doctor in marine biology, told UN News that once ratified by countries, the treaty will be a source of knowledge and development.
“Oceans today constitute the most interesting paradigm in the economic revolution. That is, the continental economy has been reviewed with known models. But the economy to be generated from the perspective of oceans and their immensity is just at the beginning of its journey.”
For Carmen do Sacramento, it is important to follow this evolution to ensure the country is prepared when the agreement enters into force.
“The Angolan coast extends 1,850 kilometers, almost in a straight line, and can provide many opportunities within the so-called blue economy,” she highlighted.
In a first phase, the Minister said the Ministry will focus on the evolution of the coastal zone and its planning and management, ensuring all activities are mapped, avoiding governance overlaps, and extending across the entire marine area.
“With the High Seas Treaty, it will go beyond 200 miles, and therefore, when possible, we expect to be prepared,” she added. According to international rules, every coastal country has control over the seabed and waters up to 200 nautical miles, or 370 kilometers, from the coast. Beyond that limit lies the high seas, which represent about two-thirds of the global ocean, or more than 70% of the Earth’s surface.
THE TREATY AND ITS BENEFITS
The High Seas Treaty is considered by the UN a vital historical achievement to address threats and ensure sustainability in areas not covered by national jurisdiction.
Carmen do Sacramento highlighted the role of mariculture in the Angolan economy, stating that oceans represent a “gateway to development and food security”.
The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources advocates for changes in the sector to reduce destructive practices and focus fishing production on optimizing the value chain. Beyond national food security, the goal is to make the sector contribute to exports that increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
