New York — Tongan lawyer Ms Rose Kautoke has been recognised in New York for her contribution to a landmark academic publication on one of the world’s most significant new ocean treaties.
The new publication, released by Oxford University Press, is the first of its kind to offer a comprehensive legal and academic analysis of the BBNJ Agreement — the global treaty designed to protect marine biodiversity in international waters beyond national jurisdiction.
Ms Kautoke, whose work was featured as part of the global collective of experts contributing to the book, was recognised for her legal research and insights on Pacific Island perspectives, including Tonga’s role in shaping the international agreement.
The book examines a historic international treaty adopted by the UN to safeguard the high seas.
Editors of the publication noted that the BBNJ Agreement represents a major shift in strengthening environmental governance and giving developing states—including Small Island Developing States (SIDS)—a stronger voice in global ocean management.
Ms Kautoke was honoured during a special event hosted at the Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations to mark the release of The Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction: Commentary and Analysis, an Oxford University Press publication supported by a consortium of Pacific and global partners.
The event brought together diplomats, legal experts, academics, and representatives of international organisations, highlighting global cooperation in advancing the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement—a treaty designed to protect marine biodiversity in international waters.
The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Tonga to the UN said Ms Kautoke’s contribution reflects Tonga’s longstanding commitment to ocean stewardship and its active participation in international legal processes.
