Valparaíso, the historic port city of Chile, is positioning itself to be the leader in ocean protection by proposing to host the Executive Secretariat of the High Seas Treaty. This initiative seeks to make Valparaíso the global center for the governance of ocean ecosystems.
Valparaíso and its aspiration for leadership in the UN
Chile’s proposal goes beyond diplomacy; it aims to establish the first United Nations body with universal membership in Latin America. This move could consolidate Valparaíso as a key player in international marine conservation.
The city is competing to become the headquarters of the High Seas Treaty Secretariat, a crucial body for protecting biodiversity on the high seas. The support of the Chilean government underscores that Valparaíso has the scientific infrastructure necessary to coordinate global ocean conservation policies.
The BBNJ Agreement offers an innovative legal framework to manage marine biodiversity in international waters, covering about 50% of the planet’s surface. This treaty seeks to establish marine reserves in remote areas and promote the sustainable use of ocean resources.
Chile considers this candidacy a unique opportunity to strengthen its regional leadership in marine protection. Historically linked to the ocean, the country has made the conservation of marine ecosystems one of its international priorities.
Valparaíso, known as the Pearl of the Pacific, was a vital port in the 19th century, serving as a link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Strait of Magellan. The arrival of the Secretariat could revitalize its maritime tradition towards a more sustainable future.
Chile, being the first Latin American country to ratify the High Seas Treaty, has consolidated its reputation as a defender of marine sustainability. The diplomatic campaign to gain international support continues intensely until the First Conference of the Parties (COP1) in January 2027, where the permanent headquarters of the Secretariat will be decided.
The choice of Valparaíso would not only grant international recognition but also symbolize the growing prominence of Latin America in ocean protection. With a strong scientific ecosystem in oceanography and marine conservation, the city is well positioned to lead this global effort.
