The Intergovernmental Conference (IGC5) on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) is currently in a stage known as informal informals, which restricts our ability to record or share publicly the details of the discussion. In response to this we have created the below video blog series to keep you informed on the negotiations and any developments toward a new High Seas Treaty.
Update 26 August
On the last day of negotiations for a High Seas Treaty, Sofia Tsenikli, Senior Strategic Advisor for the High Seas Alliance, urges States to maintain momentum and secure a strong BBNJ agreement today.
Update 25 August
Today, IGC5 saw a ‘Hybrid’ Press briefing by the International Union for Conservation of Nature on the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction negotiations. Ms. Maxine Burkett, United States Deputy Assistant Secretary and Ambassador for the Government of Belize, Ms. Janine Felson, spoke. A statement was also made by High Seas Alliance Youth Ambassador, Ms. Jihyun Lee of Yonsei University, South Korea.
An extract from Ms. Janine Felson’s statement on ‘What progress still needs to be made and can we reach agreement this week?’
Ms Jihyun Lee’s statement on ‘What we need to see from the Treaty to protect our Ocean for future generations?’
Update 24 August
Mathias Horne, Artistic Partner with the High Seas Alliance, talks about how he came to be involved with the High Seas Alliance and the incredible artwork he has created for an exhibition in the Delegates Entrance at the UN, focussing on some of the iconic species of the High Seas.
Update 22 August
As the second week of IGC5 begins, Travis Aten, Programme Officer for the High Seas Alliance, and Nichola Clark, Officer at The Pew Charitable Trusts, give an update on negotiations.
Update 19 August
As week 1 of IGC5 draws to a close, Kristina Gjerde, Senior High Seas Advisor to the IUCN, talks about why it’s so important that IGC5 concludes with an ambitious High Seas Treaty, and discusses some of the key issues of the negotiations so far.
Update 18 August
Fabienne McLellan, Managing Director of Ocean Care, gives us an update on day 4 of the BBNJ IGC5 High Seas negotiations in New York (German).
Fabienne McLellan, Managing Director of Ocean Care, gives us an update on day 4 of the BBNJ IGC5 High Seas negotiations in New York (English).
Update 17 August
Travis Aten, Programme Officer for the High Seas Alliances gives an update three days into IGC5.
