Led by the United Nations, the BBNJ Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction was presented during a dedicated workshop focused on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Africa. This workshop, held in Rabat from 16 to 19 December 2024, included discussions on the rights and obligations set out in the Agreement, engaging States and other stakeholders to support their efforts toward becoming parties to the Agreement and ensuring its effective implementation.
CIESM Director General Dr. Laura Giuliano, emphasized the Commission’s role in implementing this essential framework.
Key Contributions:
– Innovation & Data Sharing : The CIESM 3D IT Tool offers cutting-edge methods to freely visualize oceanographic and digital sequence data, bridging scientific gaps and identifying research priorities
– Ethics & Fair Sharing: The CIESM Charter which embodies ethical guidelines for equitable benefit-sharing and transparency
– Transboundary Connectivity: Through its interdisciplinary, ecosystem based approach, CIESM research actions are based on ‘areas’ connectivity (and do not distinguish between areas within or beyond national jurisdiction)
– Collaborations over Redundancy: CIESM works in synergy with key organizations such as UNESCO Ocean , Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ensuring complementary efforts to strengthen marine governance.
For decades, CIESM has championed scientific cooperation and sustainable use of sea resources. Its commitment to ethical, inclusive, and science-driven practices aligns seamlessly with the goals of the BBNJ Agreement, turning global commitments into actionable solutions.
https://www.un.org/bbnjagreement/en/capacity-building-and-technical-assistance/regional-workshops
