Chile reaffirms Valparaíso's bid for High Seas Treaty secretariat

Chile is actively pursuing Valparaíso's bid to host the executive secretariat of the High Seas Treaty, a crucial instrument for global ocean governance. The government views this candidacy as a reflection of Chile's foreign policy priorities and its deep maritime identity.

Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna emphasized the government's strong interest in securing this recognition and pledged to undertake all necessary efforts to garner the required support. The High Seas Treaty, officially known as the BBNJ Agreement, has been ratified by over 80 countries and became effective in January. It establishes a legal framework for conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions, which covers nearly half of the planet's surface.

The treaty's provisions include the establishment of marine protected areas in international waters, mandates for sustainable resource use, and mechanisms for equitable benefit distribution from marine genetic resources. Chile, a strong proponent and an early ratifier of the agreement, boasts a world-class oceanic scientific ecosystem, making it well-suited to host the BBNJ secretariat.

The campaign for the host city will continue until December, with the final decision to be made by the First Conference of the Parties (COP1) in January 2027. The potential establishment of the secretariat in Valparaíso would mark a significant milestone, positioning it as the first UN body with universal membership in Latin America. Historically known as the 'Pearl of the Pacific,' Valparaíso, located 110 kilometers northwest of Santiago, was the most important commercial port in the South Pacific during the 19th century. Its strategic location made it a vital stop for vessels transiting from the Atlantic via the Strait of Magellan, transforming it into Chile's economic, financial, and cultural hub. The bid for Valparaíso was initially championed by the administration of former President Gabriel Boric.