At the 35th meeting of the States parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Cuba's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Yuri Gala López, reaffirmed the country's commitment to fully implementing this instrument, considered as a pillar of international maritime law and global cooperation in the oceans.
Ambassador Gala López stressed that UNCLOS must be applied comprehensively and without reinterpretation. He underscored its importance for small island developing states such as Cuba, which are severely affected by climate change. In this context, he referred to Cuba's enormous efforts in implementing national strategies for sustainable development and protection of the marine environment, despite the negative impact of the United States' blockade. He emphasized that Cuba has a state plan to combat climate change known as "Tarea Vida" (Task Life), which includes strong educational and environmental components.
The Cuban diplomat emphasized the importance of regional and international cooperation in protecting marine biodiversity. He recalled that in June 2023, the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) was formally adopted and Cuba was one of the first countries to sign and ratify it. He also expressed support for the work of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
Ambassador Gala López reiterated Cuba's support for the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and emphasized that seabed mining exploration and exploitation should only be permitted after environmental plans, impact studies, and exploitation regulations are approved.
The ambassador also highlighted the work of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) and the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations