Over the last years, some regions have developed activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), particularly through the adoption of area-based management tools such as marine protected areas adopted within Regional Seas programmes, fisheries closures established by Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, and other measures adopted by international sectoral organisations. In the Western Indian Ocean (WIO), many organisations, mechanisms and projects are dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, yet few of them are currently addressing issues related to ABNJ governance. Prepared for and discussed during the 8th Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Western Indian Ocean Region (22-24 June 2015), this report aims to stimulate discussion on possible ways for WIO stakeholders to engage in the governance of ABNJ.
Highlights
- UPCOMING NEGOTIATIONS FOR AN INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENT DEDICATED TO AREAS BEYOND NATIONAL JURISDICTION
In January 2015, after almost ten years of discussions, States took the historic step of recommending to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that it open negotiations for a legally-binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). In June 2015, the UNGA officially launched the process, which will start in 2016 and should lead to the development of a new legal regime covering ABNJ.
- PARALLEL DEVELOPMENT OF AREA-BASED MANAGEMENT TOOLS IN SOME REGIONS
Some regions have been concurrently developing activities in ABNJ, particularly through the adoption of area-based management tools such as marine protected areas adopted within Regional Seas programmes, fisheries closures established by Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, and other measures adopted by international sectoral organisations. However, only a few regions are pursuing such measures.
- WHICH POSSIBLE OPTIONS FOR THE WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN?
In the Western Indian Ocean, many organisations, mechanisms and projects are dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, yet few of them are currently addressing issues related to ABNJ governance. Prepared for and discussed during the 8th Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Western Indian Ocean Region (22-24 June 2015), this report aims to stimulate discussion on possible ways for WIO stakeholders to engage in the governance of ABNJ.
