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UN DOALOS Eighth Session of the Open-ended
Informal Consultative Process
on Oceans and the Law of the Sea

UN Headquarters, New York | 25-29 June 2007
United Nations
 
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Delegates Discuss Recommendations on
Marine Genetic Resources

On Thursday morning, delegates to the eighth meeting of the UN Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (Consultative Process or ICP-8) reconvened in plenary for a general exchange of views on areas of concern and actions needed. In the afternoon, delegates addressed cooperation and coordination, especially as it relates to marine genetic resources (MGRs), and addressed issues that could benefit from attention in the UN General Assembly's future work. A revised Co-Chairs' paper on possible elements to be suggested to the UN General Assembly was then distributed to delegates, and delegates discussed the text following a recess for group consultations.

Above: Gabriele Goettsche-Wanli, UN-DOALOS, discussed a document with DOALOS Director Václav Mikulka.


Thursday, 28 June
Exchange of Views on Areas of Concern and Actions Needed

Tomas Heidar, Iceland, said MGRs in areas beyond national jurisdiction are subject to the high seas regime of UNCLOS, and expressed willingness to engage in a constructive debate to find fair and equitable practical solutions regarding their exploitation.

Kenya stressed that the equitable sharing of MGR benefits should be implemented by the international community.

Ann Marie Jobity, Trinidad and Tobago, recommended the development of legal rules to govern MGRs in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Costa Rica discussed sharkfinning as a barrier to achieving sustainable fisheries and healthy ocean ecosystems.

Malaysia highlighted, inter alia, the need for a code of conduct for the research and commercialization of MGRs in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Kim Sun Pyo, Republic of Korea, sought further discussion on establishing a clear and practical legal regime for exploiting MGRs beyond national jurisdiction.

Rochelle Newbold, Bahamas, suggested that UN-DOALOS compile information on capacity building opportunities and institutions for developing countries.

Suriname emphasized that all activities affecting the Area should be conducted for the common heritage of mankind.

The International Maritime Organization expressed concern about acts of piracy disrupting humanitarian aid to Somalia, and human rights violations of migrants at sea.

FAO said fisheries management is limited by the lack of effective policies and recognition of the importance of fish genetic resources.

Salvatore Arica, UNESCO-IOC, noted, inter alia, the establishment of an expert group on Biogeographic Classification Systems in Open Ocean and Deep Seabed Areas.

The International Transport Workers' Federation, on behalf of several NGOS, urged adopting a precautionary approach to bioprospecting.

The UN University discussed the work of its Institute of Advanced Studies related to MGRs, including the recent establishment of the Global Marine Governance Project.

Awni Behnam, International Ocean Institute, called for fair and equitable access and benefit-sharing, relating to MGRs beyond national jurisdiction.

Todd Steiner, Turtle Island Restoration Network, emphasized sea turtles' rare genetic lineage and sought global protection for turtles through time and area closures and protection of migration corridors.
Side Event

At lunchtime, the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition held a side event providing information on new regional developments regarding high seas bottom fisheries. Information was presented on an agreement by South Pacific countries to prohibit bottom trawling in vulnerable areas of the high seas while continuing negotiations to create a Regional Fisheries Management Organization in the area.
Cooperation and Coordination, Especially as it Relates to MGRs

Co-Chair Lori Ridgeway introduced the afternoon's presentations.

Anne Rogers, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, discussed the history and progress of UN-Oceans, presenting a matrix summarizing UN-Oceans' activities from 2006-2007.

Salif Diop, UNEP, reported on progress of the "Assessment of Assessments" of the regular process for global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment, including socio-economic aspects.
Consideration of Elements to be Suggested to the General Assembly

Mexico supported stronger text on benefit-sharing and international cooperation.

Egypt asserted that any exploitation of MGRs should be for the benefit for all mankind.

Kjell Kristian Egge, Norway, proposed deletion of a reference to divergence of views.
Around the Consultative Process

IISD's Robynne Boyd handed out copies of the daily Earth Negotiations Bulletin in the morning.

Former Director Vladimir Golitsyn had a farewell chat with some DOALOS staff.

Delegates from Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica discussed the Co-Chairs' draft elements.

Related Links

UNICPOLOS Site.
UN Division for Oceans Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNDOALOS).
Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.
Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) - Chapter 17.

Related ENB Coverage

Earth Negotiations Bulletin coverage of the Ad Hoc Working Group on marine biodiversity
Earth Negotiations Bulletin coverage of UNICPOLOS-7
Earth Negotiations Bulletin coverage of UNICPOLOS-6
Earth Negotiations Bulletin coverage of UNICPOLOS-5
Earth Negotiations Bulletin coverage of UNICPOLOS-4

Linkages Update.
Oceans-L oceans policy news and announcement Listserve.
MEA-L Multilateral Environmental Agreements Listserve.
Africa Regional Coverage.

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