Welcome progress towards a legally-binding treaty to safeguard the ocean beyond national boundaries
On 24 January 2015, the United Nations took a historic step towards
safeguarding the global ocean commons. Government representatives
agreed to launch a formal preparatory process for a global and legally-
binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine
biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
The decision was reached after nine years of deliberation on how to
better conserve and manage the vast ocean area beyond national
boundaries –the high seas and international seabed area.
A formal preparatory committee will start work in early 2016 to craft
the elements of a draft treaty under the United Nations Convention on
the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). By September 2018 a decision will
be taken by the UN to finalise and adopt the text.
The treaty could help secure the designation of a truly global system of
marine protected areas, mainstream biodiversity conservation into the
governance of high seas fisheries, shipping and seabed mining, and
provide for more effective access to marine genetic resources. The
treaty could also foster important new scientific and commercial
discoveries while ensuring the benefits are shared by all.
A legally-binding treaty for our global ocean commons is essential to
build a healthy, resilient and productive ocean for the benefit of us all,
future generations included. Indeed, for the two thirds of the ocean
beyond national jurisdiction, international cooperation is the only way forward.
(IUCN)
(3sc26012015)