4 April 2011: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) met on 4 April 2011 to adopt a draft resolution on oceans and the law of the sea.

The draft resolution (document A/65/L.65) regarding the report of the Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole on the Regular Process for global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment, including socio-economic aspects (document A/65/759), was put forward by Australia, Brazil, Canada, Saint Lucia and New Zealand, following the first meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole in February 2011.

The representative of Saint Lucia introduced the draft for adoption, noting that the marine environment plays a critical role in the health of the terrestrial environment, a role that is often forgotten and is critical in discussions on climate change, biodiversity and other issues.

UNGA adopted the draft resolution by consensus, endorsing the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Working Group resulting from its first meeting. The working group of the whole will reconvene for a second meeting, from 27-28 June 2011, to address outstanding issues identified in the report of the Working Group. [Publication: Report of the Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole, including Recommendations] [Publication: Draft Resolution A/65/L.65 (Resolution 65/37 B)] [Webcast of UNGA Meeting] [Website of Regular Process, First Meeting of Working Group of the Whole]