Cambodia has received the “Sea Treaty Champion” award in recognition of its efforts and participation in the agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth, representing Prime Minister Hun Manet, accepted the High Seas Treaty Champion award during the “From Nice to New York – Activate the High Seas Treaty” event, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York City, the US, said a September 24 environment ministry statement.
“This award honours the Kingdom of Cambodia as a model country, the 56th state to join the agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction,” it explained.
Sophalleth accepted the award, alongside key international figures, senior political leaders, major international organisations and youth activists who actively participated in negotiations to establish the treaty, engage in environmental problem-solving and demonstrate strong commitments toward ocean conservation — efforts that culminated in the adoption and agreement of the BBNJ treaty and its effective implementation.
The minister joined a group photo ceremony with representatives of many of the countries that have ratified the BBNJ treaty at the North Delegate Lounge of the UN Headquarters.
Sophalleth is heading Cambodia’s delegation to participate in special events on climate action during the High-Level Week of the 80th UN General Assembly (UNGA80) and related meetings in New York, from September 23–25.
Cambodia signed the BBNJ Agreement during the 3rd UN Ocean Conference on June 9, 2025, in Nice, France.
The Kingdom completed the required procedures and deposited its instrument of ratification on September 6, just ahead of UNGA80.
The High Seas Treaty was established after the first 60 countries deposited their ratifications of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
It will enter into force in January 2026, strengthening global efforts to protect the oceans, mitigate climate change, and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of people worldwide.
