Haiti has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, marking a crucial milestone in global efforts to promote ocean sustainability. Ambassador Justin Viard presented Haiti’s instrument of acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who praised Haiti’s commitment to this landmark agreement.
Expressing her warm welcome to Haiti’s acceptance, DG Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the significance of Haiti’s support, particularly as a small island developing state and least-developed country. She urged other WTO members to follow Haiti’s lead as preparations for the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) are underway.
Ambassador Viard highlighted Haiti’s contribution to international cooperation in managing ocean resources by ratifying the Agreement. He underscored the urgent need to redirect investments towards initiatives supporting marine conservation and sustainable development to ensure the long-term health of oceans and food security for millions worldwide.
With Haiti’s acceptance, the total number of WTO members formally accepting the Agreement now stands at 61, reaching 55% of the threshold required for the Agreement to come into effect.
The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference, establishes binding rules to address harmful subsidies contributing to the depletion of fish stocks. It also recognizes the specific needs of developing and least-developed countries, offering technical assistance and capacity building to support implementation.
Key provisions of the Agreement include the prohibition of support for illegal fishing practices and overfished stocks, as well as the cessation of subsidies for fishing activities in unregulated high seas.
Looking ahead, negotiations on outstanding issues will continue with the aim of enhancing the Agreement’s disciplines by MC13, scheduled for February 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Haiti’s acceptance underscores the collective commitment to sustainable ocean management and signifies progress towards ensuring the health and resilience of marine ecosystems for current and future generations.