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Contribuyendo a una gobernanza híbrida para proteger y manejar áreas en alta mar: El Domo Térmico y el Mar del Sargazo

EL PROYECTO DE INVESTIGACIÓN

El nombre SARGADOM es el resultado de una combinación entre el Mar de los Sargazos, llamado así por la afloración del alga del Sargassum que mantiene la diversidad y productividad del ecosistema, y el Domo Térmico, un fenómeno oceanográfico caracterizado por aguas frías profundas que emergen y generan alta productividad primaria que mantiene una cadena alimenticia dinámica.

 

Con SARGADOM, queremos mejorar la protección de la biodiversidad para mantener los servicios ecosistémicos de estas dos áreas sensibles del alta mar, y facilitar el diseño de modelos híbridos de gobernanza del océano. Consideramos que ésta es una manera de lograr que el tratado de BBNJ sea más que una declaración, una herramienta efectiva para la gobernanza y protección del alta mar. Queremos contribuir a las negociaciones de Naciones Unidas y sobre todo, apoyar la fase de implementación del tratado. 

La alta mar representa el 64% del océano mundial. Se rige por la Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Derecho del Mar (CONVEMAR). Tiene un estatus internacional basado en dos regímenes jurídicos distintos: i) los fondos marinos situados más allá de la plataforma continental, cuyos recursos minerales están regulados por la Autoridad Internacional de los Fondos Marinos como parte del Patrimonio Común de la Humanidad, y ii) la columna de agua situada por encima de los fondos marinos, que se rige por el principio de Libertad de la Alta Mar.

Las actividades económicas que se desarrollan en alta mar están reguladas por los Estados, principalmente bajo la responsabilidad del Estado Pabellón. Sin embargo, por el momento no existe una base jurídica internacional para establecer zonas de protección que sean vinculantes para todos los usuarios. La Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Derecho del Mar (CONVEMAR) incluye el principio de no apropiación de la alta mar, lo que hace imposible que un Estado restrinja el acceso de una zona a otro Estado. Por lo tanto, la gestión sostenible de la alta mar plantea una serie de retos importantes.

La Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Derecho del Mar (CONVEMAR) proporciona un marco para la gobernanza de las áreas situadas fuera de la jurisdicción nacional (ABNJ, por sus siglas en inglés); sin embargo, el sistema existente ha sido descrito como una «agenda inacabada». Hasta la fecha, el marco jurídico internacional y los regímenes de gestión regionales y/o sectoriales son incompletos y a menudo ineficaces. La necesidad de reflexionar sobre una acción global para la gobernanza y la gestión de estas áreas, que contemple el establecimiento de medidas de conservación y gestión, o la limitación de las actividades humanas para conservar la biodiversidad en ellas, se está debatiendo en la Asamblea General de la ONU desde 2004.
En este contexto, en 2017, tras un proceso de más de una década, la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas (UNGA, siglas en inglés) estableció una conferencia intergubernamental para negociar un Instrumento Internacional Jurídicamente Vinculante sobre la conservación y el uso sostenible de la biodiversidad fuera de las áreas de jurisdicción nacional (BBNJ). Al final de la cuarta ronda de negociaciones, en marzo de 2021, los negociadores del parecen aceptar que es necesaria alguna forma de estructura de gobernanza mundial, a través de una Conferencia de las Partes (COP).

El Domo Térmico y el Mar de los Sargazos son dos lugares representativos de la diversidad e importancia de los ecosistemas de alta mar. Ilustran perfectamente el hecho de que los límites ecológicos (como la interconectividad de los ecosistemas) no se corresponden con las delimitaciones legales establecidas por la CONVEMAR. Se trata de sistemas dinámicos, que se mueven, se contraen y se expanden con las corrientes y los vientos. Se encuentran principalmente fuera de la jurisdicción nacional en alta mar, pero pueden «entrar» de forma permanente, regular o de vez en cuando las ZEE que están bajo la jurisdicción de los Estados.
La estrategia propuesta por el proyecto se basa en un análisis DPSIR (Catalizadores-Presión-Estado-Impacto-Respuesta) para cada sitio, y en un análisis de su gobernanza actual y de las posibles mejoras. Esto permitirá la elaboración de propuestas para mejorar la gobernanza y acordar el establecimiento de medidas de conservación y gestión adecuadas para los sitios. Se espera que los resultados de este trabajo ayuden a informar sobre la aplicación de futuros acuerdos en otras zonas de alta mar que deseen diseñar herramientas de gestión basadas en área (ABMT). Los conocimientos adquiridos también servirán de apoyo a la elaboración de acuerdos y planes de acción para el Domo Térmico y el Mar de los Sargazos.

¿POR QUÉ ESTOS DOS SITIOS?

El Domo Térmico y el Mar de los Sargazos son dos ecosistemas únicos que sirven como casos piloto para avanzar en la conservación de alta mar y también para probar y reflexionar sobre el concepto de gobernanza híbrida, que combina enfoques globales y regionales.

La elección de estos dos lugares se debe al estado relativamente avanzado de los conocimientos sobre estos dos ecosistemas de alta mar y a la actual participación de las partes interesadas en los debates sobre los posibles mecanismos de gobernanza. Otros factores son la especial importancia ecológica de estas zonas, la experiencia de los equipos ya existentes y su participación a nivel mundial. Por estas razones estos sitios, pueden aportar mucho para informar las discusiones del tratado de BBNJ. La eficacia de este tratado dependerá en gran medida de una buena comprensión de todos los aspectos involucrados en su implementación.

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El Domo Térmico

El Domo Térmico se extiende dentro y fuera de las Zonas Económicas Exclusivas (ZEE) de los países centroamericanos en el Pacífico Oriental Tropical. Se trata de un fenómeno producto de la convergencia de los vientos alisios y las corrientes marinas que provocan el ascenso de las aguas profundas, frías y ricas en nutrientes (upwelling). La termoclina se «eleva» así hasta unos 15 metros de la superficie, dando, por su forma de campana, su nombre de «Domo». El tamaño y la ubicación del Domo Térmico son dinámicos. Su superficie media es de 530.000 km2. Su zona central se encuentra alrededor de los 9°N y 90°W, a más de 65 km al oeste de los límites de las ZEE de Costa Rica y Nicaragua, es decir, más allá de sus respectivas jurisdicciones nacionales.

El Domo Térmico carece de un marco sólido y establecido de gobernanza regional. Sin embargo, cabe destacar la presencia de la Comisión Centroamericana de Ambiente y Desarrollo (CCAD). La CCAD, organización perteneciente al SICA (Sistema de Integración Centroamericana), fue creada en 1989. Su función es mejorar el patrimonio natural de la región mediante el uso razonable de los recursos y el control de la contaminación. A través de su comité competente en temas marinos, muestra un gran interés por la gobernanza y la gestión del Domo Térmico. Desde 2014, la ONG regional MarViva, con el apoyo del gobierno de Costa Rica y otros gobiernos centroamericanos, lidera una iniciativa para promover la gobernanza del Domo Térmico. 

image-section-51-min.png

El Mar de los Sargazos ​

Con una extensión de más de 5 millones de km2, el Mar de los Sargazos es un ecosistema único que se encuentra dentro del giro subtropical del Atlántico Norte. Toma su nombre del alga dorada que puebla su superficie, Sargassum, las dos especies dominantes son : Sargassum natans y S. fluitans. El Sargassum forma grandes alfombras e hileras en la superficie marina y actúa como base del ecosistema de alta mar.

El Mar de los Sargazos está bordeado por el flujo de las principales corrientes oceánicas: la Corriente del Golfo forma su límite occidental y la Corriente del Atlántico Norte su límite septentrional, la Corriente de Canarias actúa como un límite oriental más difuso y la Corriente Ecuatorial del Norte, junto con la Corriente del Caribe, forman el límite meridional. Sólo las islas de Bermuda tienen costa directa en el Mar de los Sargazos.

Desde 2010, el Proyecto del Mar de los Sargazos, desarrollado en asociación con  UICN y otros socios, y dirigido por el Gobierno de Bermuda, ha estado trabajando con una amplia gama de partes interesadas del gobierno, la academia y el sector privado, así como con colaboradores interesados, para llamar la atención de la comunidad internacional sobre la importancia del ecosistema del Mar de los Sargazos. 

 

Se busca utilizar las organizaciones internacionales competentes existentes para aplicar medidas de conservación para el Mar de los Sargazos, y utilizar este proceso como modelo para otras regiones. En 2014, los gobiernos se reunieron en Bermuda para firmar la Declaración de Hamilton sobre la Colaboración para la Conservación del Mar de los Sargazos, que a partir de 2022 cuenta con un total de diez gobiernos firmantes. Se trata de un acuerdo político no vinculante entre los gobiernos interesados situados en la amplia región del Mar de los Sargazos o con interés en la conservación de la alta mar. La Comisión del Mar de los Sargazos, un organismo independiente creado por una declaración política, ha sido descrita como un nuevo paradigma de gobernanza en alta mar.

RESULTADOS ESPERADOS

Los resultados esperados del proyecto son diferentes para los dos lugares de estudio. 

En el caso del Domo Térmico, se busca generar propuestas multisectoriales para la gobernanza y regulación de la alta mar, con énfasis en la pesca y la navegación. Estas propuestas serán presentadas a las partes interesadas de la ONU por parte de los gobiernos que forman parte del proceso. En el caso de la Comisión del Mar de los Sargazos, será un Programa de Acción Estratégica que se presentará para su aprobación a las principales partes interesadas, incluidos los signatarios de la Declaración de Hamilton.

 

A través del proceso de desarrollo de estructuras de gobernanza innovadoras para el Domo Térmico y el Mar de los Sargazos, el proyecto tendrá como objetivo obtener una visión y unos conocimientos que ayuden a formular recomendaciones para otros lugares o futuros acuerdos mundiales sobre alta mar.

Cifras clave

Sobre mi alta mar

0 %
del océano
0 M
de especies no identificadas
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del hábitat ocupado de la Tierra
SOCIOS

SARGADOM es el resultado de una colaboración internacional entre institutos de investigación, ONG, gestores de zonas marinas y financiadores públicos.

Socios implemetadores

Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

Duke University Marine Lab – Nicholas School of the Environment

Imperial College

Neptune and company

OFB Oficina Francesa de Biodiversidad

Con el apoyo de

Fonds français pour l’environnement mondial

Global Fishing Watch

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration

University of Edinburgh

Global Environment Facility

  • What’s in the final BBNJ text? [3/6] we are switching it up a little in this post to discuss what was agreed in the Capacity Building and Transfer of Marine Technology part of the text as that part was closely related to MGR, the subject of our last post. Transfer of marine technology will ensure an interoperable future for high seas data management, and will allow for equitable implementation of the BBNJ agreement across developing and developed countries.

A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text.

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
  • What’s in the final BBNJ text? [2/5] MGR was the main sticking point in the BBNJ agreement - delegations had a hard time sorting out monetary and non monetary benefits - in the final text, the responsibility for developing such a mechanism for such benefit sharing has been entrusted to the COP. 

A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text.

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
  • What’s in the final BBNJ text? [1/5] A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text. 

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
  • At the end of today (March 3, 2023), negotiations on the first internationally binding treaty for the high seas will conclude in New York. 

In the plenary this morning, Palau made a strong statement on behalf of the Pacific SIDs to reach a legally binding agreement today. 

Discussions on an instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) have been going on for over a decade. After the treaty failed to reach the finish line at a previous session in August 2022, it is hoped that delegates will be able to conclude a strong high seas treaty now, in what has been described as a “once in a lifetime” chance to finally protect the high seas.

The major sticking point? Marine genetic resources (MGR) will be “the key to unlocking the treaty in the final days”, according to Li Shuo, a senior global policy adviser for Greenpeace.

@guardian “Developed nations, with the technology and resources to scour the seas for new products, agree on benefit-sharing of MGR, but disagree on aspects of it, including questions over what, when and how. Developing countries, who do not have such resources or capacity, argue that benefit-sharing should be guaranteed and clarified in the treaty text. One delegate from an African country, who did not want to be named, said there was “a lot of insensitivity and privilege” on display as compromise was sought.”

We all hope this will be the final BBNJ conference, allowing us to move on to ratification and implementation of the treaty. #fingerscrossed 

📷 image credit 

8_Kate_Mansfield_green_turtle_Sargassum_NMFSPermit_19508
Photo credit
: Kate Mansfield, UCF MTRG;
Oceanic stage green sea turtle in
Sargassum
. Permit
number NMFS
-
19508

Pablo Heimplatz - Dolphins in Kaikoura, New Zealand
  • We are in the last few days of negotiations for the BBNJ treaty - UN delegates must reach consensus in order to provide an internationally legally binding instrument for these waters, safeguarding their ecosystem services, and their inherent ecological value. 

Read our full post for negotiation updates 🎤🐟
  • During the plenary session this morning, the representative of Palestine made a strong declaration to achieve a successful agreement by the end of the week, an agreement which must embody the principle of the common heritage of mankind.

Take a look at our post on this issue for more information. The CHM principle is an ethical principle of international law, establishing that some localities belong to all humanity and that their resources are available for everyone's use and benefit. 

I n the context of the BBNJ treaty, the principle could provide the groundwork for the sharing of benefits of seabed resources, and promote environmental stewardship by discouraging overexploitation. In general, the global south support the principle, while maritime powers from the global north, with the resources to exploit the seabed and outcompete other entities seeking to do so, generally seek to prevent its inclusion in the treaty.

It can be seen as the opposite of the ‘Freedom of the High Seas Principle’ - the other regime under UNCLOS that governs the high seas. 

In the BBNJ treaty, some delegates wish to give the CHM principle stronger emphasis, while others wish to weaken its influence on the agreement - to which one delegate warned that if disregarded, a core principle of UNCLOS would be lost.
  • Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [2/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
  • Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [1/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [3/6] we are switching it up a little in this post to discuss what was agreed in the Capacity Building and Transfer of Marine Technology part of the text as that part was closely related to MGR, the subject of our last post. Transfer of marine technology will ensure an interoperable future for high seas data management, and will allow for equitable implementation of the BBNJ agreement across developing and developed countries.

A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text.

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [3/6] we are switching it up a little in this post to discuss what was agreed in the Capacity Building and Transfer of Marine Technology part of the text as that part was closely related to MGR, the subject of our last post. Transfer of marine technology will ensure an interoperable future for high seas data management, and will allow for equitable implementation of the BBNJ agreement across developing and developed countries.

A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text.

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [3/6] we are switching it up a little in this post to discuss what was agreed in the Capacity Building and Transfer of Marine Technology part of the text as that part was closely related to MGR, the subject of our last post. Transfer of marine technology will ensure an interoperable future for high seas data management, and will allow for equitable implementation of the BBNJ agreement across developing and developed countries.

A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text.

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [3/6] we are switching it up a little in this post to discuss what was agreed in the Capacity Building and Transfer of Marine Technology part of the text as that part was closely related to MGR, the subject of our last post. Transfer of marine technology will ensure an interoperable future for high seas data management, and will allow for equitable implementation of the BBNJ agreement across developing and developed countries.

A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text.

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [3/6] we are switching it up a little in this post to discuss what was agreed in the Capacity Building and Transfer of Marine Technology part of the text as that part was closely related to MGR, the subject of our last post. Transfer of marine technology will ensure an interoperable future for high seas data management, and will allow for equitable implementation of the BBNJ agreement across developing and developed countries.

A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text.

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [3/6] we are switching it up a little in this post to discuss what was agreed in the Capacity Building and Transfer of Marine Technology part of the text as that part was closely related to MGR, the subject of our last post. Transfer of marine technology will ensure an interoperable future for high seas data management, and will allow for equitable implementation of the BBNJ agreement across developing and developed countries. A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon. We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text. These posts will be broken down in to: - General provisions - Marine genetic resources - Area based management tools - Environmental impact assessments - Capacity building - Institutional arrangements
hace 1 semana
Ver en Instagram |
1/8
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [2/5] MGR was the main sticking point in the BBNJ agreement - delegations had a hard time sorting out monetary and non monetary benefits - in the final text, the responsibility for developing such a mechanism for such benefit sharing has been entrusted to the COP. 

A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text.

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [2/5] MGR was the main sticking point in the BBNJ agreement - delegations had a hard time sorting out monetary and non monetary benefits - in the final text, the responsibility for developing such a mechanism for such benefit sharing has been entrusted to the COP. 

A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text.

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [2/5] MGR was the main sticking point in the BBNJ agreement - delegations had a hard time sorting out monetary and non monetary benefits - in the final text, the responsibility for developing such a mechanism for such benefit sharing has been entrusted to the COP. 

A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text.

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [2/5] MGR was the main sticking point in the BBNJ agreement - delegations had a hard time sorting out monetary and non monetary benefits - in the final text, the responsibility for developing such a mechanism for such benefit sharing has been entrusted to the COP. 

A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text.

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [2/5] MGR was the main sticking point in the BBNJ agreement - delegations had a hard time sorting out monetary and non monetary benefits - in the final text, the responsibility for developing such a mechanism for such benefit sharing has been entrusted to the COP. 

A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text.

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [2/5] MGR was the main sticking point in the BBNJ agreement - delegations had a hard time sorting out monetary and non monetary benefits - in the final text, the responsibility for developing such a mechanism for such benefit sharing has been entrusted to the COP. A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon. We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text. These posts will be broken down in to: - General provisions - Marine genetic resources - Area based management tools - Environmental impact assessments - Capacity building - Institutional arrangements
hace 2 semanas
Ver en Instagram |
2/8
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [1/5] A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text. 

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [1/5] A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text. 

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [1/5] A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text. 

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [1/5] A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text. 

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [1/5] A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text. 

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [1/5] A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon.

We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text. 

These posts will be broken down in to:

- General provisions

- Marine genetic resources

- Area based management tools

- Environmental impact assessments

- Capacity building

- Institutional arrangements
What’s in the final BBNJ text? [1/5] A landmark agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) has at last been agreed. Two weeks of negotiations went in to overtime and the agreement was finalised after a 36+ hour negotiating marathon. We break down the discussions being had during the last round of negotiations - and compare them to what ended up in the final text. These posts will be broken down in to: - General provisions - Marine genetic resources - Area based management tools - Environmental impact assessments - Capacity building - Institutional arrangements
hace 3 semanas
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3/8
At the end of today (March 3, 2023), negotiations on the first internationally binding treaty for the high seas will conclude in New York. 

In the plenary this morning, Palau made a strong statement on behalf of the Pacific SIDs to reach a legally binding agreement today. 

Discussions on an instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) have been going on for over a decade. After the treaty failed to reach the finish line at a previous session in August 2022, it is hoped that delegates will be able to conclude a strong high seas treaty now, in what has been described as a “once in a lifetime” chance to finally protect the high seas.

The major sticking point? Marine genetic resources (MGR) will be “the key to unlocking the treaty in the final days”, according to Li Shuo, a senior global policy adviser for Greenpeace.

@guardian “Developed nations, with the technology and resources to scour the seas for new products, agree on benefit-sharing of MGR, but disagree on aspects of it, including questions over what, when and how. Developing countries, who do not have such resources or capacity, argue that benefit-sharing should be guaranteed and clarified in the treaty text. One delegate from an African country, who did not want to be named, said there was “a lot of insensitivity and privilege” on display as compromise was sought.”

We all hope this will be the final BBNJ conference, allowing us to move on to ratification and implementation of the treaty. #fingerscrossed 

📷 image credit 

8_Kate_Mansfield_green_turtle_Sargassum_NMFSPermit_19508
Photo credit
: Kate Mansfield, UCF MTRG;
Oceanic stage green sea turtle in
Sargassum
. Permit
number NMFS
-
19508

Pablo Heimplatz - Dolphins in Kaikoura, New Zealand
At the end of today (March 3, 2023), negotiations on the first internationally binding treaty for the high seas will conclude in New York. In the plenary this morning, Palau made a strong statement on behalf of the Pacific SIDs to reach a legally binding agreement today. Discussions on an instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) have been going on for over a decade. After the treaty failed to reach the finish line at a previous session in August 2022, it is hoped that delegates will be able to conclude a strong high seas treaty now, in what has been described as a “once in a lifetime” chance to finally protect the high seas. The major sticking point? Marine genetic resources (MGR) will be “the key to unlocking the treaty in the final days”, according to Li Shuo, a senior global policy adviser for Greenpeace. @guardian “Developed nations, with the technology and resources to scour the seas for new products, agree on benefit-sharing of MGR, but disagree on aspects of it, including questions over what, when and how. Developing countries, who do not have such resources or capacity, argue that benefit-sharing should be guaranteed and clarified in the treaty text. One delegate from an African country, who did not want to be named, said there was “a lot of insensitivity and privilege” on display as compromise was sought.” We all hope this will be the final BBNJ conference, allowing us to move on to ratification and implementation of the treaty. #fingerscrossed 📷 image credit 8_Kate_Mansfield_green_turtle_Sargassum_NMFSPermit_19508 Photo credit : Kate Mansfield, UCF MTRG; Oceanic stage green sea turtle in Sargassum . Permit number NMFS - 19508 Pablo Heimplatz - Dolphins in Kaikoura, New Zealand
hace 4 semanas
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4/8
We are in the last few days of negotiations for the BBNJ treaty - UN delegates must reach consensus in order to provide an internationally legally binding instrument for these waters, safeguarding their ecosystem services, and their inherent ecological value. 

Read our full post for negotiation updates 🎤🐟
We are in the last few days of negotiations for the BBNJ treaty - UN delegates must reach consensus in order to provide an internationally legally binding instrument for these waters, safeguarding their ecosystem services, and their inherent ecological value. 

Read our full post for negotiation updates 🎤🐟
We are in the last few days of negotiations for the BBNJ treaty - UN delegates must reach consensus in order to provide an internationally legally binding instrument for these waters, safeguarding their ecosystem services, and their inherent ecological value. 

Read our full post for negotiation updates 🎤🐟
We are in the last few days of negotiations for the BBNJ treaty - UN delegates must reach consensus in order to provide an internationally legally binding instrument for these waters, safeguarding their ecosystem services, and their inherent ecological value. 

Read our full post for negotiation updates 🎤🐟
We are in the last few days of negotiations for the BBNJ treaty - UN delegates must reach consensus in order to provide an internationally legally binding instrument for these waters, safeguarding their ecosystem services, and their inherent ecological value. 

Read our full post for negotiation updates 🎤🐟
We are in the last few days of negotiations for the BBNJ treaty - UN delegates must reach consensus in order to provide an internationally legally binding instrument for these waters, safeguarding their ecosystem services, and their inherent ecological value. 

Read our full post for negotiation updates 🎤🐟
We are in the last few days of negotiations for the BBNJ treaty - UN delegates must reach consensus in order to provide an internationally legally binding instrument for these waters, safeguarding their ecosystem services, and their inherent ecological value. 

Read our full post for negotiation updates 🎤🐟
We are in the last few days of negotiations for the BBNJ treaty - UN delegates must reach consensus in order to provide an internationally legally binding instrument for these waters, safeguarding their ecosystem services, and their inherent ecological value. Read our full post for negotiation updates 🎤🐟
hace 4 semanas
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5/8
During the plenary session this morning, the representative of Palestine made a strong declaration to achieve a successful agreement by the end of the week, an agreement which must embody the principle of the common heritage of mankind.

Take a look at our post on this issue for more information. The CHM principle is an ethical principle of international law, establishing that some localities belong to all humanity and that their resources are available for everyone's use and benefit. 

I n the context of the BBNJ treaty, the principle could provide the groundwork for the sharing of benefits of seabed resources, and promote environmental stewardship by discouraging overexploitation. In general, the global south support the principle, while maritime powers from the global north, with the resources to exploit the seabed and outcompete other entities seeking to do so, generally seek to prevent its inclusion in the treaty.

It can be seen as the opposite of the ‘Freedom of the High Seas Principle’ - the other regime under UNCLOS that governs the high seas. 

In the BBNJ treaty, some delegates wish to give the CHM principle stronger emphasis, while others wish to weaken its influence on the agreement - to which one delegate warned that if disregarded, a core principle of UNCLOS would be lost.
During the plenary session this morning, the representative of Palestine made a strong declaration to achieve a successful agreement by the end of the week, an agreement which must embody the principle of the common heritage of mankind. Take a look at our post on this issue for more information. The CHM principle is an ethical principle of international law, establishing that some localities belong to all humanity and that their resources are available for everyone's use and benefit. I n the context of the BBNJ treaty, the principle could provide the groundwork for the sharing of benefits of seabed resources, and promote environmental stewardship by discouraging overexploitation. In general, the global south support the principle, while maritime powers from the global north, with the resources to exploit the seabed and outcompete other entities seeking to do so, generally seek to prevent its inclusion in the treaty. It can be seen as the opposite of the ‘Freedom of the High Seas Principle’ - the other regime under UNCLOS that governs the high seas. In the BBNJ treaty, some delegates wish to give the CHM principle stronger emphasis, while others wish to weaken its influence on the agreement - to which one delegate warned that if disregarded, a core principle of UNCLOS would be lost.
hace 4 semanas
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6/8
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [2/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [2/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [2/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [2/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [2/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [2/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [2/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [2/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [2/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [2/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [2/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
hace 4 semanas
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7/8
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [1/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [1/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [1/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [1/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [1/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [1/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [1/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [1/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
Who’s who at BBNJ? This post [1/2] breaks down the facilitators of the #highseastreaty negotiations.
hace 4 semanas
Ver en Instagram |
8/8
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