Madame President,
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The Philippines expresses its full support for your Presidency and congratulates the bureau on their election.
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We join these negotiations in the belief that a legally binding instrument in the nature of an implementing agreement under the UNCLOS is needed to fill in the gaps in the management and use of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. As the common heritage of mankind, BBNJ should be sustainably managed and its benefits equitably shared by all stakeholders.
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This is in consonance with a rules-based approach in managing the world’s oceans and seas. As such, this instrument must be guided by the principles of respect for the rights, obligations and interests of State Parties as enshrined in UNCLOS; respect for the rights and jurisdiction of coastal States over all areas under their national jurisdiction, including the continental shelf within and beyond the exclusive economic zone; and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States.
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It is in accordance with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG14. From the oceans came life, from the oceans life draws the means and thereby incurs the obligations to preserve the conditions whereby life is possible on earth.
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We must give equal attention to the elements of the 2011 package.[1]
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In managing a resource common to all, we all stand to gain and must take up our share of responsibilities. Fair and equitable access to the benefits from BBNJ and effective capacity building and transfer of marine technology are critical.
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Finally, the Philippines aligns itself with the statement delivered by Egypt on behalf of the Group of 77.
Thank you.
[1] Marine genetic resources, including questions on the sharing of benefits; Measures such as area-based management tools, including marine protected areas; Environmental impact assessments; and Capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology.