Urging The State To Adopt The Agreement Under The United Nations Convention On The Law Of The Sea On The Conservation And Sustainable Use Of Marine Biological Diversity Of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction And Support Legislative, Administrative, And Policy Measures To Implement The Agreement At The State And County Levels.
If adopted, SCR157 could have significant implications for state laws regarding marine conservation and environmental protection. The BBNJ Agreement focuses on combating biodiversity loss and the degradation of marine ecosystems caused by climate change, pollution, including plastic waste, and unsustainable use of marine resources. The resolution supports the implementation of various conservation efforts, which could enhance Hawaii’s legislative framework for protecting and managing its rich marine biodiversity.
SCR157 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the State of Hawaii to adopt the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea concerning the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). This agreement seeks to safeguard and sustainably manage marine biological resources found in areas that do not fall under any one nation's jurisdiction. The resolution emphasizes the need for legislative, administrative, and policy measures to effectively implement the BBNJ Agreement both at state and county levels.
While SCR157 appears to garner broad support, potential points of contention may arise regarding the specifics of implementation. Some stakeholders may express concerns about how state and county measures align with the BBNJ Agreement and the availability of resources to enact these changes. Additionally, the integration of local community needs and rights within the framework of this international agreement could lead to diverse opinions on the best approach to enact conservation measures while promoting sustainable development.