Presentation
This Policy Brief provides some initial reflections for supporting rapid, effective, and equitable implementation of a new international agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) in three priority areas: (1) bringing the Agreement into force; (2) establishing the institutional framework, including financial mechanisms; and (3) developing capacity, science, and technology.
Key Messages
- As States and stakeholders make the final push to conclude the negotiations, it is time to consider the vital next steps: encouraging ratification, developing institutional structures, and building capacity to ensure wide participation and effective implementation.
- Ratifications could be encouraged through targeted outreach activities, a special treaty event, and technical and financial support, including needs assessments and legislative resources to assist States in codifying the Agreement into national law.
- A Preparatory Commission (PrepCom) could be established to advance preparations for the first Conference of the Parties (COP) and establish interim working groups to develop the institutional structure and financial mechanisms.
- Support should be mobilised to advance a range of scientific, legal, organisational and institutional capacities for effective implementation.
- Setting up a High Seas Finance Implementation Mechanism supported by public and private partners would help to start on vital preparatory work even before the treaty enters into force.
