Area-Based Management Tools in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction: Full Workshop Report

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Background

The Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) was adopted on 19 June 2023. It is widely recognized as one of the most significant achievements of multilateralism in decades, and will give Parties new tools to advance, in an equitable manner, the conservation and sustainable use of the almost two-thirds of the ocean that fall outside of national jurisdiction2, once it enters into force. 

This will happen "120 days after the date of deposit of the sixtieth instrument of ratification, approval, acceptance or accession” as expressed in the article 6(1) of the Agreement) . 

In parallel with States going through their respective domestic processes to become parties the Agreement, there are a range of activities that States, and other stakeholders, can consider as they prepare for the early operationalization and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, including those within the scope of the UN General Assembly mandated PrepCom. 

The work undertaken

Identifying and fleshing out activities that could help prepare for the designation of Area-based Management Tools, including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) under the BBNJ Agreement was the focus of the two-day workshop at its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland, part of an annual workshop series, with the support of the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB, Office français de la biodiversité).

Discussions during the workshop were held under Chatham House rules, so apart from information imparted during presentations, this report will not attribute statements. 

Key action-oriented outcomes 

• Pathway(s) to achieving ABNJ Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
• The broader umbrella of integrated ocean governance through processes in other forums and MEA.
• Key considerations from the workshop to advise stakeholders in their work to advance BBNJ ABMT proposals. This includes ongoing processes to prepare the BBNJ Agreement for entry into force and early implementation, including the PrepCom.