International Agreement Reaffirms Timor-Leste's Commitment to Protecting the Oceans
On September 17th, 2024, the National Parliament of Timor-Leste unanimously approved Draft Resolution No. 9/VI(1.ª), which ratifies the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity in Areas Beyond national jurisdiction. The proposal was approved with 63 votes in favour, no votes against or abstentions. 
The plenary session, chaired by the President of the National Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay, was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, and the Vice Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Adérito Hugo da Costa.
This draft Resolution to the National Parliament was previously approved at the meeting of the Council of Ministers on August 7th, 2024. Its ratification reinforces Timor-Leste's commitment to protecting the marine environment and preserving global biodiversity. This agreement is an important step forward in promoting the conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources, ensuring the preservation of a healthy and balanced marine ecosystem for future generations. 
