Prestigious Law and Diplomacy award recognises Kristina Gjerde, IUCN High Seas Advisor, for landmark work to protect high seas biodiversity
The work of Singapore’s Ambassador for International Law, Rena Lee, and Kristina Gjerde, Senior High Seas Advisor to IUCN, was recognised and celebrated at a ceremony in New York City on October 24, broadcast virtually around the world. It honoured their pivotal contributions to the United Nations Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), an essential international framework for conserving biodiversity in the high seas.
A pioneering advocate for marine conservation, Kristina Maria Gjerde has dedicated nearly 40 years to advancing public international law for the marine environment. Her early work through IUCN catalysed support for the BBNJ Agreement, and her leadership in creating initiatives such as the Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative, the Sargasso Sea Project, the Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative, and the High Seas Alliance reflects her commitment to global marine biodiversity research and preservation.
Ambassador Lee’s leadership as President of the Intergovernmental Conference negotiating the BBNJ Agreement was instrumental in establishing this landmark accord, which introduces comprehensive protections for marine biodiversity. With over three decades in international law, her diplomatic expertise has been critical in securing cooperation among nations to protect ocean resources on a global scale.
More information
Read the Pace University Press Release
Browse Photos of the big night
