White Paper on Governance Principles Relevant to Marine Biodiversity in ABNJ: Submission to the Chair

1 March, 2015

A white paper outlining governance principles relevant to the proposed international legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. It describes the proposed principles, with an Annex containing excerpts from key international instruments and agreements as precedents for the application of the principle in multilateral instruments. It also sets out ways the principles may be operationalized in the international instrument. It is hoped that this paper will stimulate discussion on some of the fundamental operating and governance principles that may be needed to translate specific operational objectives of any new agreement into established practice.

Duncan E. J. Currie February 2016

Download white paper

Overview of Legal, Regulatory and Implementation Gaps

19 June, 2014

From 16-19 June 2014, governments will gather for the second intersessional “BBNJ” meeting of the UN Working Group to discuss a new high seas biodiversity agreement under UNCLOS.  Delegations will discuss the scope and parameters of such an agreement including the legal and regulatory gaps that have resulted in a fragmented approach to ocean governance.  Please see the attached Summary and Overview of Legal, Regulatory and Implementation Gaps in the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in Marine Areas beyond National Jurisdiction.

Summary of Gaps Document

Overview of Gaps Document

Elements for a Possible Ocean Sustainable Development Goal

1 May, 2014

The Tenth Session of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is meeting at the United Nations in New York from 31 March-4 April. 

The High Seas Alliance and Deep Sea Conservation Coalition have made a submission on proposed elements for inclusion in an Ocean SDG: achieve healthy, productive and resilient oceans. 

Produced by the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, High Seas Alliance

Download PDF, here.

High Seas Alliance Policy Briefs

4 April, 2014

From 1-4 April 2014, governments will gather at the United Nations in New York, for ground-breaking discussions on whether to launch negotiations for a new High Seas biodiversity agreement under UNCLOS. These discussions will continue at the UN from 16-19 June, with a focus on the ‘scope, parameters and feasibility’ of a new implementing agreement.

The High Seas Alliance has released a series of policy briefs to coincide with these UN intersessional meetings:

HSA Briefing 1: About the High Seas Alliance

HSA Briefing 2: The Need for a New Implementing Agreement Under UNCLOS on Marine Biodiversity of the High Seas

HSA Briefing 3: Equity, Food Security and Capacity-building

HSA Briefing 4: Wonders of the High Seas