In a significant step towards enhancing environmental and trade governance, Dominica has made a landmark move by officially accepting the Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement, which establishes the World Trade Organization (WTO). This acceptance, formalized through the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, underscores Dominica’s commitment to sustainable fisheries and highlights its proactive stance on global collaboration for sustainable development.
The formal submission of Dominica’s Instrument of Acceptance was carried out by the Honourable Dr. Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade, and Energy, and was presented to the WTO in Geneva on February 14th. This gesture not only reflects Dominica’s dedication to sustainable marine resource management but also aligns with its broader objectives for environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Acting High Commissioner of Dominica to the United Kingdom, Ms. Janet Charles, played a pivotal role in presenting the signed Instrument. She lauded Dr. Henderson’s efforts in ensuring Dominica’s adherence to international obligations. Ms. Charles emphasized that this ratification is a testament to Dominica’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its active engagement in shaping constructive global trade policies.
Dominica’s ratification of the WTO Fisheries Agreement represents a crucial step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.6, aiming for the sustainability of the oceans. The agreement is designed to eliminate harmful fisheries subsidies, which are recognized as a significant factor in the depletion of global fish stocks. By accepting this agreement, Dominica joins the collective effort to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and the overfishing of stocks, promoting the long-term sustainability of marine resources.
The ceremony in Geneva, attended by representatives from various nations, marked a collective movement towards ocean sustainability. Notably, nations such as Barbados, Senegal, and Uruguay also formalized their acceptance of the agreement, demonstrating a growing global commitment to this cause. WTO Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, praised the increasing momentum and urged other member states to ratify the agreement swiftly, enabling its benefits for ocean health and the livelihoods of those reliant on marine fisheries to be realized.
To date, 34 WTO members have ratified the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, signaling a positive trend towards global cooperation in combating overfishing and preserving marine biodiversity. Dominica’s participation in this agreement reaffirms its role as a leader in environmental conservation, particularly within the Caribbean region, known for its rich biodiversity and reliance on marine resources.
This article is copyright © 2024 DOM767
