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Contribuer à une gouvernance hybride pour protéger et gérer des aires remarquables en haute mer : Dôme thermal et mer des Sargasses

LE PROJET DE RECHERCHE

Le nom du projet SARGADOM est une combinaison de la mer des Sargasses, nommée d’après l’algue flottante Sargassum sur laquelle repose un écosystème océanique diversifié et productif, et du Dôme thermal, un phénomène océanographique caractérisé par des eaux profondes froides et riches en nutriments, qui remontent vers la surface et génèrent une productivité primaire élevée qui permet de maintenir un réseau alimentaire dynamique.

 

Avec SARGADOM, nous voulons améliorer la protection de la biodiversité, maintenir les services écosystémiques dans ces deux zones sensibles de haute mer et faciliter la conception de modèles hybrides de gouvernance de l’océan. Nous pensons que c’est le seul moyen de faire du traité “BBNJ” non pas une simple déclaration de bonne volonté, mais un outil réel et efficace pour gouverner et protéger la haute mer. Nous voulons contribuer aux négociations des Nations Unies, mais surtout, nous voulons être prêts à contribuer à la phase de mise en œuvre du traité “BBNJ”.

La haute mer représente 64% de l’océan mondial. Elle est régie par la Convention des Nations Unies sur le droit de la mer (CNUDM). Son statut international repose sur deux régimes juridiques distincts : i) les fonds marins situés au-delà du plateau continental, dont les ressources minérales sont régies par l’Autorité internationale des fonds marins en tant que patrimoine commun de l’humanité et ii) la colonne d’eau au-dessus des fonds marins, qui est régie par le principe de la liberté de la haute mer.

Les activités économiques qui s’y déroulent sont régies par les États, sous la responsabilité de l’État du pavillon. Cependant, à ce stade il n’y a pas de fondement juridique international permettant de créer des zones de protection qui soient respectées par tous les utilisateurs. On y invoque souvent le principe de non-appropriation de la haute mer et l’impossibilité pour un État de restreindre l’accès d’une zone à un autre État. La gestion durable de la haute mer pose donc un certain nombre de problèmes majeurs.
La CNUDM fournit un cadre pour la gouvernance des zones situées au-delà des juridictions nationales (ZADJN / BBNJ), cependant, le système existant a été décrit comme un « agenda inachevé ». A ce jour, le cadre juridique international existant et les régimes de gestion existants régionaux et / ou sectoriels sont incomplets et inefficaces. La nécessité de réfléchir à une action globale pour la gouvernance et la gestion de ces zones permettant la prise des mesures de conservation et de gestion ou de limitation des activités humaines s’est posée, est discutée à l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies depuis 2004.

Dans ce contexte, en 2017, après un processus de plus de dix ans, l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies (AGNU) a mis en place une conférence intergouvernementale dont le mandat est de négocier un nouvel instrument international juridiquement contraignant (IIJC) sur la conservation et l’utilisation durable de la biodiversité dans les zones situées au-delà des limites de la juridiction nationale (ZADJN / BBNJ). À la fin du quatrième cycle de négociations en mars 2021, les négociateurs de l’IIJC semblent accepter qu’une certaine forme de structure de gouvernance globale – par le biais d’une Conférence des Parties (COP) – est nécessaire.

Le Dôme thermal et la mer des Sargasses sont deux sites représentatifs de la diversité et de l’importance des écosystèmes de la haute mer. Ils illustrent parfaitement le fait que les limites écologiques (telle l’interconnectivité des écosystèmes) ne correspondent pas aux délimitations juridiques établies par la CNUDM. Il s’agit de formations dynamiques, qui se déplacent, rétrécissent et s’étendent au gré des courants et des vents. Elles se situent principalement au-delà des juridictions nationales, en haute mer, mais peuvent « empiéter » en permanence, régulièrement ou de temps en temps sur des ZEE qui se trouvent sous la souveraineté des États.
La stratégie proposée par le projet consiste à s’appuyer sur une analyse DPSIR (force motrice-pressions-état-impact-réponse) dans chaque site, et d’une analyse de la gouvernance actuelle des deux sites et des améliorations potentielles, qui mèneront à l’élaboration de propositions visant à améliorer la gouvernance et à convenir de l’établissement de mesures de conservation et de gestion appropriées pour les sites. Nous espérons que les résultats de ce travail permettront d’éclairer la mise en œuvre de futurs accords sur d’autres zones de haute mer qui souhaitent concevoir des outils de gestion par zone. Les connaissances acquises appuieront également le développement d’accords et de plans d’action au niveau du Dôme thermal et la mer des Sargasses.

POURQUOI CES DEUX SITES ?

Le Dôme thermal et la mer des Sargasses sont deux écosystèmes uniques qui servent de cas pilotes pour faire progresser la conservation de la haute mer et également à tester et réfléchir au concept de gouvernance hybride, combinant des approches globales et régionales.

 

Ces deux sites ont été choisis en raison de l’état relativement avancé des connaissances sur ces deux écosystèmes de haute mer et de l’implication continue des parties prenantes dans les discussions sur les mécanismes de gouvernance potentiels. D’autres facteurs incluent l’importance écologique particulière de ces zones, la qualité des équipes déjà en place et leur implication au niveau mondial. Pour ces raisons, ils peuvent apporter beaucoup à la discussion sur le traité BBNJ, dont l’efficacité dépendra fortement d’une bonne compréhension des enjeux.

 

 
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Le Dôme thermal

Le Dôme thermal est situé à l’intérieur et au-delà des zones économiques exclusives (ZEE) des pays d’Amérique centrale dans le Pacifique tropical oriental. C’est un phénomène formé par la conjonction des alizés et des courants marins qui entraînent la remontée des eaux profondes, froides et riches en nutriments (upwelling). La thermocline est ainsi « soulevée » jusqu’à une quinzaine de mètres de la surface, lui donnant de par sa forme en cloche, son nom de « dôme ». La taille et la localisation du Dôme thermal sont dynamiques. Sa surface moyenne est de 530 000 km2. Sa zone centrale se situe autour de 9°N et 90°W, à plus de 65 km à l’ouest des frontières des ZEE du Costa Rica et du Nicaragua, c’est-à-dire au-delà de leurs juridictions nationales respectives.

La zone du Dôme thermal ne bénéficie pas d’un cadre fort et établi de gouvernance régionale. Cependant, il faut noter la présence de la Commission centraméricaine sur l’environnement et le développement (CCAD). La CCAD, une organisation appartenant au SICA (Central America Integration System), a été créée en 1989. Son rôle est de mettre en valeur le patrimoine naturel de la région par l’usage raisonnable des ressources et le contrôle de la pollution. A travers son Comité compétent sur les questions marines, elle montre un fort intérêt pour la gouvernance et la gestion du Dôme Thermal. Depuis 2014, l’ONG régionale MarViva, avec le soutien du gouvernement du Costa Rica et d’autres gouvernements d’Amérique centrale, conduit une initiative visant à améliorer la gouvernance du Dôme thermal.

image-section-51-min.png

Mer des Sargasses

S’étendant sur plus de 5 millions de km2, la mer des Sargasses est un écosystème unique situé dans le gyre subtropical de l’Atlantique Nord. Elle tire son nom de deux espèces de macro-algues pélagiques (Sargassum natans et S. fluitans) qui s’y accumulent et forment de vastes tapis et andains constituant la base de l’écosystème de haute mer. Seul l’archipel des Bermudes a une façade côtière directe sur la mer des Sargasses. Cette dernière est bordée par le flux des principaux courants océaniques tels le Gulf Stream et le courant nord-atlantique (limites ouest et nord), le courant des Canaries (limite plus diffuse à l’est), et le courant équatorial nord qui, avec le courant des Antilles, forment la limite sud

Depuis 2010, le projet de la mer des Sargasses, développé en association avec l’UICN et d’autres partenaires et dirigé par le gouvernement des Bermudes, collabore avec un grand nombre de parties prenantes du gouvernement, du monde universitaire et du secteur privé, ainsi que des collaborateurs intéressés, afin d’attirer l’attention de la communauté internationale sur l’importance de l’écosystème de la mer des Sargasses. Il cherche à utiliser les organisations internationales existantes disposant de compétences établies pour mettre en place des mesures de conservation dans la mer des Sargasses, et d’utiliser ce processus comme modèle pour d’autres régions. En 2014, les gouvernements se sont réunis aux Bermudes pour signer la Déclaration de Hamilton sur la collaboration pour la conservation de la mer des Sargasses, qui, en 2022, compte un total de dix gouvernements signataires. Il s’agit d’un accord politique non contraignant entre les gouvernements intéressés situés dans la région élargie de la mer des Sargasses ou ayant un intérêt pour la conservation de la haute mer. La Commission de la mer des Sargasses, un organisme indépendant établi par une déclaration politique, a été décrite comme un nouveau paradigme pour la gouvernance en haute mer.

RÉSULTATS ATTENDUS

Les résultats attendus du projet sont différents pour les deux sites d’étude.

Pour le Dôme thermal, il s’agit de propositions multisectorielles pour la gouvernance et la réglementation de la haute mer, en mettant l’accent sur la pêche et la navigation, qui seront soumises aux parties prenantes des Nations Unies par les gouvernements soutenant le processus. Pour la Commission de la mer des Sargasses, il s’agit d’un programme d’action stratégique soumis à l’approbation des principales parties prenantes, dont les Signataires de la Déclaration de Hamilton.

 

En développant des structures de gouvernance innovantes pour le Dôme thermal et la mer des Sargasses, le projet vise à acquérir des connaissances qui permettront de formuler des recommandations pour d’autres sites ou d’autres futurs accords globaux sur la haute mer en général.

Chiffres clés

A propos de la haute mer

0 %
de l'océan
0 M
d'espèces non identifiées
0 %
des habitats occupés de la Terre
PARTENAIRES

SARGADOM est le résultat d’une collaboration internationale entre des instituts de recherche, des ONG, des gestionnaires de zones marines et des financeurs publics.

Partenaires de mise en oeuvre du projet

Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

Duke University Marine Lab – Nicholas School of the Environment

Imperial College

Neptune and company

OFB

Avec le soutien 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
1 semaine ago
View on 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
2 semaines ago
View on 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
3 semaines ago
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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
4 semaines ago
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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 🎤🐟
4 semaines ago
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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.
4 semaines ago
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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.
4 semaines ago
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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.
4 semaines ago
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8/8
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