Further, IUCN exhorts all Parties to conclude, in 2022, an ambitious international legally binding instrument under UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), to conclude in 2024 negotiations on an internationally legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, and to adhere to, ratify and implement other international law instruments that address ocean and marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

Regarding voluntary commitments, IUCN notes that to ensure a meaningful contribution towards a healthy ocean, and a just transition towards a low carbon and sustainable blue economy these must rely on a supportive framework for their monitoring, reporting and verification.

Finally, IUCN highlights the importance of promoting proactive, effective, equitable, inclusive, gender-responsive implementation of SDG14 and the need to ensure the full and effective participation of Indigenous peoples and local communities including their free, prior, and informed consent, and the full recognition of the rights of Indigenous peoples to their lands, territories and resources, as set out under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).