12. Question No. 12—Foreign AffairsANAHILA KANONGATA'A (Labour) to the Minister of Foreign AffairsQuestion No. 12—Foreign Affairs12. ANAHILA KANONGATA'A (Labour) to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: What recent announcement has she made about Aotearoa New Zealand's support for ocean diversity and conservation?Hon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Foreign Affairs): I recently announced the adoption of a new global treaty designed to protect and restore the biodiversity of the high seas. This treaty which was finally embraced after two decades of discussions at the UN represents a considerable leap in our shared ambition to secure the wellbeing of our oceans for future generations. Our location in the Pacific and our relationship with Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa continue to amplify that kaitiakitanga—or guardianship—are linked to our national identity. This treaty is a reflection of these principles; extending them on a global scale is important. This agreement enables the international community to establish marine protected areas provides clear procedures for evaluating the environmental impacts of activities within these areas and also includes a novel provision for sharing the benefits to marine genetic resources obtained from the high seas.Anahila Kanongata'a: How does the treaty enable the sharing of the benefits of marine genetic resources and assistance to developing countries in its implementation?Hon NANAIA MAHUTA: The sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources is a novel aspect of this treaty. It acknowledges the fact that while these resources may be found in international waters the benefits derived from them—particularly those with commercial or research potential—should be shared equitably. This might include sharing research findings technology transfer or capacity-building initiatives. With regards to assisting developing countries the treaty recognises that these nations often lack the resources and technical capability to fully implement its objectives. Assistance could take the form of financial support technical training or cooperation on scientific research.Anahila Kanongata'a: Can you share any specific regions that have been identified for protection?Hon NANAIA MAHUTA: The exact regions to be designated as marine protected areas under the treaty have not been finalised yet. The decision will involve careful scientific analysis and consensus among participating nations. However the objective is to prioritise areas with high biodiversity value and those most vulnerable to human activity and climate change impacts.Hon Eugenie Sage: Supplementary. Anahila Kanongata'a: Pātai tāpiri.Hon Judith Collins: I'm sorry what language? What was that?Anahila Kanongata'a: It was in te reo Māori.SPEAKER: Anahila Kanongata'a.Anahila Kanongata'a: What enforcement mechanisms are in place to ensure compliance with the treaty? [Interruption]SPEAKER: Sorry can you repeat that question; I didn't hear it. Anahila Kanongata'a: What enforcement mechanisms are in place to ensure compliance with the treaty?Hon NANAIA MAHUTA: As the high seas are beyond any single nation's jurisdiction enforcement will rely on international cooperation and the good will of States. Compliance measures are likely to include regular reporting obligations monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and a dispute resolution process. However it's important to note that the success of the treaty will ultimately depend on the collective commitment of all nations to uphold their responsibilities.Hon Eugenie Sage: What action is the Minister taking to protect deep-sea corals and other vulnerable marine ecosystems on sea mounts in the South Pacific from bottom trawling by New Zealand - flagged vessels?Hon NANAIA MAHUTA: New Zealand is a strong supporter of high levels of protection in all areas of oceans and fisheries policy and actively works domestically in the high seas to improve management of bottom fisheries. New Zealand's high-seas bottom fishing is already subject to international regulation by the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources which adopt conservation measures based on best available science. This new treaty on high-seas biodiversity will improve effective environmental protection for biodiversity in the high seas. It is designed to work with regional fisheries management organisations.