A presentation of the ILS International Animal Law Committee and the TIPS Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee of the American Bar Association.
The historic United Nations Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty, also known as the BBNJ Treaty, adopted by the 193 Member States of the United Nations by consensus last June, and open for signature since September 20, 2023, aims to address the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction—a global commons. The BBNJ Treaty and its new ocean governance mechanisms will address various anthropogenic stressors, including impacts of climate change, pollution, and unsustainable use of the ocean. The robust measures will foster the preservation and responsible management of these critical ecosystems of Earth. The instrument will also enable further capacity building and transfer of marine technology and guarantee the equitable sharing of monetary and non-monetary benefits from marine genetic resources. This webinar will shed light on this celebrated new international instrument, including its strengths and potential shortcomings. The panel will also discuss why early entry into force is imperative.
