The matrix was developed by an international team of experts led by the IUCN Environmental Law Centre together with the Global Marine and Polar Programme.  It presents a variety of suggestions for key elements of an international instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). 

At the Rio +20 Conference on Sustainable Development and again in the 2015 Agenda for Sustainable Development, States committed themselves to address the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their biodiversity.  To that end, States have started meeting through a series of Preparatory Committee Meetings (PrepComs) to develop recommendations on the elements of an international legally binding instrument under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.  The first PrepCom was held from 28 March -- 8 April 2016; and the second is scheduled for 26 August -- 9 September 2016.  After two more PrepComs in 2017, the General Assembly will make a decision on convening an intergovernmental conference to elaborate the text of a new agreement.

The IUCN Marine Biodiversity Matrix is intended to support the development of that agreement.  It is meant to be a living tool, that will grow and change to reflect the needs of the negotiations.  Please send questions or suggestions to Lydia Slobodian (lydia.slobodian@iucn.org).