The resolution on oceans and the law of the sea includes references to the Rio+20 Outcome Document, including a section on marine environment and marine resources, which calls on States to take action on, inter alia, the health of the oceans and marine biodiversity.
The UNGA text also stresses the need to improve understanding of the impact of climate change on oceans and seas.
11 December 2012: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution on oceans and the law of the sea (A/67/L.21) by a recorded vote of 125 in favor to one against (Turkey), with four abstentions (Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Venezuela).
The text notes commitments made by States at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) to protect and restore the health, productivity and resilience of oceans and marine ecosystems, and to maintain their biodiversity. The resolution also stresses the need to improve understanding of the impact of climate change on oceans and seas, and expresses concern at the adverse impacts of land-based and coastal development activities on marine habitats. [UNGA Press Release]