Sim Ann on impact of UN High Seas Treaty on Singapore

Singapore will sign the UN High Seas Treaty when it opens for signature on Sep 20 this year and intends to ratify it as soon as possible, said Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sim Ann. Replying to an MP’s question in Parliament on Tuesday (Jul 4), she said while the treaty will not directly affect marine conservation efforts within Singapore's jurisdiction, it will allow Singapore to play a more active role in global efforts to protect the marine environment in areas beyond national jurisdiction. For example, the treaty provides for more equitable sharing of the benefits arising from marine scientific research. This can help to contribute to global conservation efforts. She said Singapore will also support capacity-building measures for developing countries to effectively implement the treaty by sharing its experiences through platforms like the Singapore Cooperation Programme. As the treaty concerns areas beyond national jurisdiction, it will have no bearing on Singapore's measures to mitigate sea level rise and the use of polders, as well as plans for the Greater Southern Waterfront, which are well within Singapore's territorial waters, she said.