The United Nations held the fourth meeting of the Preparatory Committee established by the General Assembly resolution 69/292: Development of an international legally binding instrument 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 PrepCom 4) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 10 to 21 July 2017. In parallel to this important effort to strengthen legal institutions around ABNJ, the Global Ocean Forum, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), UNEP World Conservation and Monitoring Centre (WCMC), Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO) and the Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation co-organized the side event. Please see the attached leaflet for the event.
The side event focused on modalities, experiences, and lessons learned in existing efforts at capacity development in ABNJ, and explored possible ways of moving forward on this central issue in the BBNJ process. 13 speakers presented their perspectives on the capacity development discussions in the BBNJ process thus far, best practices from existing capacity development efforts, and options for future capacity development in ABNJ to over 60 attendees. Members of the Global Ocean Forum also presented the results of a capacity development needs assessment survey, conducted as part of the GEF/FAO/GOF Common Oceans Project.
Resources:
Summary documents:
Common Oceans Capacity Development in ABNJ Survey Results
Presentations:
Introduction by the Co-Chairs – Dr. Biliana Cicin-Sain, Global Ocean Forum and Mr. Blaise Kuemlangan, FAO
Overview of Capacity Development Issues and Possibilities in the BBNJ Process – Dr. Marjo Vierros, Global Ocean Forum
Lessons Learned Regarding Capacity Building in ABNJ: Emphasis on RFMOs and Tuna Management – Mr. Alejandro Anganuzzi, FAO and IOTC
Lessons Learned Regarding Capacity Building in ABNJ: Regional Experiences on Area-Based Planning and Management in ABNJ – Ms. Merete Tandstad, FAO, and Ms. Hannah Thomas, UNEP World Conservation and Monitoring Centre
Relevant Experiences on Capacity Development from Related Conventions – Ms. Leah Karrer, Global Environment Facility
Perspectives on Capacity Development and Technology Transfer – Ms. Harriet Harden-Davies, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Expert and University of Wollongong