UN Negotiations

Amid Mounting Warnings of Ocean Threat, UN Talks Resume on the World’s First Legally Binding Treaty to Protect the High Seas

25 March, 2019

New York, 25 MARCH 2019: Treaty negotiations to conserve and protect nearly two-thirds of the ocean reconvene today at the United Nations (UN) with countries set to begin work towards a first draft text over the coming fortnight.The two-week Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) is the second of four negotiating sessions aimed at sealing a new legally binding treaty to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, commonly known as the high seas. The negotiations are widely regarded as the greatest opportunity in a generation to turn the tide on ocean degradation and biodiversity loss and follow over a decade of discussions at the UN.

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¿Alienígenas en Marte? ¿Y por qué no más Cerca de Casa?

23 March, 2019

Source: Efeverde

El espacio sideral siempre ha cautivado nuestras mentes, pero las profundidades marítimas, aquí mismo en la Tierra, siguen, en gran medida, sin explorar. Doce personas han pisado la superficie lunar, pero sólo tres han surcado las profundidades del océano. La alta mar ocupa la mitad de la superficie del planeta y no tiene ley; ningún país tiene jurisdicción sobre ella. A medida que los avances tecnológicos abren esta última frontera a la exploración, los científicos están comprobando que no es el páramo que una vez pensamos que era—muy al contrario, rebosa vida, el tipo de vida que se ha adaptado de manera extraña pero maravillosa a la supervivencia rodeada de bajas temperaturas, la falta de luz solar y unas presiones altísimas.

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We are at a Critical Juncture of the BBNJ Negotiations

22 March, 2019

After a successful first Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) to begin formal negotiations on a new international legally binding instrument under the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), the second session of formal treaty negotiations will take place at UN headquarters in New York City from 25 March – 5 April.

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Ottawa Workshop: The Role of Science and a Scientific Body under the New Instrument

20 March, 2019

As negotiations for a historic high seas ocean treaty continues, High Seas Alliance members have been organizing a number of meetings and events with governments and regional groups to discuss what a new high seas ocean treaty might include.

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Greenpeace to Launch New Report: “30 x 30: Blueprint for Ocean Protection

20 March, 2019

Greenpeace is urging governments at the UN to create a strong Global Ocean Treaty which could pave the way for the protection of at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 via a network of ocean sanctuaries. Over the next 12 months, Greenpeace will sail from the Arctic to the Antarctic, undertaking ground-breaking research and investigations, and using what we find to inspire millions around the world to join us in supporting healthy oceans and a strong Global Ocean Treaty by 2020. Ahead of the second Intergovernmental Conference, Greenpeace has been engaging with decision makers in more than 20 capitals worldwide. Our political team will also be heading to New York. Greenpeace’s briefing to the IGC2 offers recommendations for improved text on Marine Protected Areas.

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High Seas: Relief to Troubled Waters?

2 October, 2018

Source: TRT World

The High Seas are a vast expanse of water and home to 90 percent of marine life but are largely unregulated. Fishing, research, deep-sea mining – all can take place at the expense of the environment. Now the United Nations has launched negotiations for an international treaty to protect the oceans.

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First Intergovernmental Conference Comes to a Close

17 September, 2018

The main business of the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) concluded with applause on Friday, September 14 and closing remarks by the President of the Conference Ambassador Rena Lee of Singapore. There was a palpable sense of optimism in the room, as it was evident that there is a clear path towards a treaty to protect the high seas.

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World’s First Legally Binding Treaty to Protect the High Seas: Landmark UN Negotiations Open

4 September, 2018

Treaty negotiations to conserve and protect nearly two thirds of the ocean open today at the United Nations (UN) in what is widely regarded as the greatest opportunity in a generation to turn the tide on ocean degradation and biodiversity loss.

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Marine Conservation Institute Tracks VMEs and other High Seas Protection Measures

27 August, 2018

Marine Conservation Institute (MCI) continues its support of a strong UN treaty that will create lasting protections for high seas biodiversity, through its research, mapping and communications. By using its expertise in Geographic Information Systems and mapping, MCI’s scientists identify the locations of indicator species, mainly cold-water corals and sponges, that can be used to establish protections for Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) and protect the high seas. Its efforts to develop species distribution models help map species, and these provide international authorities with essential information for implementing protection measures. The Atlas of Marine Protection (MPAtlas.org) initiative is also a hub for tracking and analyzing VMEs and other high seas protection measures.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium Hosts Meeting of 25 Nations for Ocean Protection

27 March, 2018

On 24th December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly took the historic decision to open the negotiations of a treaty to protect biodiversity in the high seas (“Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions” or “BBNJ”). High seas represent two thirds of our oceans and are barely protected today.

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UN Negotiations

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