28 June 2016: Participants at the 40th annual Conference of the Center for Oceans Law and Policy underscored the role of healthy oceans in meeting pressing global challenges, such as fighting hunger and achieving food security, tackling climate change, providing clean energy and generally contributing to sustainable development.
The Conference welcomed the role of oceans in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and discussed linkages between Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development) and SDG 16 (Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels).
The Conference convened from 27-28 June, at UN Headquarters in New York, the US. The Center for Oceans Law and Policy organized the Conference in cooperation with the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) and the UN Office of Legal Affairs. The Conference focused on the ‘Legal order for the world’s oceans’ and the regime under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Oceans “regulate the climate and provide an incredible range of natural resources, nutritious food, and jobs that benefit billions of people,” UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson said in his remarks. He cautioned, however, that human impacts on oceans and seas are contributing to overfishing and ocean warming. In particular, Eliasson highlighted the threats rising sea levels pose to small island developing States (SIDS), which he said “bear so little responsibility for climate change, but are on the frontlines of its imprint on their nations and people.”
On the rule of law in sustainable development, participants discussed the need for balance between taking natural resource benefits and ensuring the sustainability of such benefits for future generations. Observing that decisions made today on the sustainable use of ocean resources will impact generations to come, Eliasson called for renewed “efforts to protect our oceans and use their resources peacefully, equitably and sustainably for generations to come.”
Participants addressed developments under UNCLOS, including the convening of the Preparatory Committee to develop an internationally legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas outside national jurisdictions (BBNJ). Participants welcomed the negotiations as one of several critical steps in strengthening international peace and security and ensuring the sustainable development of oceans and seas.
The Conference further addressed, inter alia: the International Seabed Authority, with discussions on exploration and exploitation of ocean mineral resources; the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, including maritime boundary disputes; and the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. On sustainable fisheries and the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the UNCLOS 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (UNFSA), participants discussed the role of Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) in developing high seas fisheries regulations and opportunities for tackling over-exploitation, improving ocean governance and achieving sustainable fisheries.
A conference proceedings volume will be available in mid-2017. [UN Press Release] [UN Deputy-Secretary-General Statement] [Conference Programme] [Conference Website]