On November 24th, 2023, 13:00 -14:00 UTC, we will have a Special Session on the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and its implications for science and science capacity-building.
The BBNJ Agreement is the most important international agreement on ocean governance since the signing of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1982. Its goal is to safeguard the ocean’s biodiversity and ensure sustainable use while promoting fairness and equity. The treaty was agreed upon today at the 5th Intergovernmental Conference in New York and results from more than a decade of global engagement to solve the crucial global environmental issue of protecting the ocean’s biodiversity outside of national jurisdiction.
This event aims to stimulate open and meaningful conversations about this international agreement and science, especially concerning the future use of marine genetic resources, the development of high-seas marine protected areas (MPAs), environmental impact assessments, capacity building, transfer of marine technology, and the use of best available science.
During this session, Ilka Wagner, Head of the Division Marine Nature Conservation, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), will present Germany’s perspective on the BBNJ Agreement. Her presentation will cover various aspects, such as the ratification process, early entry into force, and the importance of future regulations. It will also touch upon the opportunities and challenges associated with multilateral ocean governance. Dr. Elegbede will focus on the Inclusiveness of Stakeholders as a crucial instrument in the blue economy, especially for the biodiversity of species in the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ). This inclusiveness is emphasised in the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of ABNJ (BBNJ). Stakeholder involvement is key to ensuring a holistic and sustainable approach to blue economy activities in these areas. Especially advocating for the role of states, non-state initiatives, and Regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) towards the sustainability of the ocean.
This is an Ocean Decade Event. More information here.
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