14 June 2012: The Co-Chairs of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group to study issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction (BBNJ) have forwarded their summary of the discussions that took place from 7-11 May 2012, as well as the recommendations emanating from this meeting, to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) for consideration at its 67th session.

In the recommendations, the BBNJ Working Group: takes note of the exchange of views held at the first meeting of the Working Group on aspects of issues referred to in the Co-Chair’s summary of the discussions, some of which will be further addressed at the intersessional workshops to take place in 2013; requests the UN Secretary-General to convene two intersessional workshops before the next meeting of the Working Group on the topics and in accordance with the terms of reference annexes to the recommendations; requests the Working Group, at its next meeting, to continue to consider all issues under its mandate and provide recommendations to the UNGA at its 68th session; requests the UN Secretary-General to convene a meeting of the Working Group in the second half of 2013; requests the UN Secretary-General to use existing trust funds through earmarked contributions to facilitate the participation of panelists and representatives from developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States (SIDS), and land-locked developing States in the intersessional workshops. [Co-Chair’s Summary and Recommendations]