JCLOS co-organized side event to the UN marine biodiversity treaty negotiations in New York

The KG Jebsen Centre for the Law of the Sea (JCLOS) and its consortium partner the Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI) jointly organized a side event on Wednesday, 5 April 2017, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York as part of the Third Session of the Preparatory Committee established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 69/292 for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction

The challenge for the delegations participating in the work of the Preparatory Committee is to determine how marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) can be regulated, conserved and sustainably used. Various elements are being considered, including questions on sharing of benefits, measures such as area-based management tools, including marine protected areas; environmental impact assessments; and capacity building and the transfer of marine technology. The discussions also include cross-cutting issues, such as the possible institutional arrangements that would need to be strengthened and/or created to govern the relationship with existing organizations and agreements under a new BBNJ regime.

Researchers from The KG Jebsen Centre for the Law of the Sea (JCLOS) and FNI were at the negotiations of the Third Session of the Preparatory Committee, during which they contributed by hosting a side event where they presented the possible implications of an international legally binding instrument on BBNJ for Arctic marine governance. The possible implications were discussed within the context of Arctic initiatives, with a view to comparing efforts and highlighting areas of convergence, overlap and potential conflict. The event also showcased the Arctic governance regime as an example of a regional framework that may inform other regional initiatives and the greater BBNJ process.

Mr. Kjell Kristian Egge, the International Law Adviser of the Law of the Sea Section of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was the first speaker at the event and provided an overview of Arctic marine cooperation.

Mr. Christian Prip, Senior Policy Analyst, FNI, then discussed the possible implications for the governance of the Arctic Ocean.

Dr. Vito De Lucia, PostDoc Fellow, JCLOS, followed with a discussion on whether there is a need for a separate regime in the Arctic region given its environmental importance and uniqueness.

Ms. Kristine Dalaker Kraabel, PhD Research Fellow, JCLOS, chaired the event.

The event concluded with an active dialogue between the presenters and attendees regarding the issues raised.

 

Kjell Kristian Egge, Kristine Dalaker Kraabel, Vito De Lucia and Christian Prip presenting at the PrepCom JCLOS/FNI side event.



Kristine Dalaker Kraabel and Vito De Lucia at the PrepCom JCLOS/FNI side event.



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Last updated: 19.04.2017 09:48