Statements

Russian Federation, 27 February 2023: Plenary

The Russian Federation began their intervention by thanking the Secretary for the updated draft of the text however they reiterated some concerns echoing Cuba to question why not all proposals were reflected, which unfortunately will not help in moving towards consensus. In essence there are two plenaries taking place in parallel which is hard for … Continued

27 February 2023

Cuba on behalf of G77 & China, 27 February 2023: Plenary

Cuba, on behalf of the G77 and China, started their intervention by making some observations on the new draft text. They anticipated that delegations would have concerns on why some things were included and others were not. Understand the difficulties in compiling the information however they expressed concern that there are proposals that have been … Continued

Facilitator, 27 February 2023: Plenary Back on Cross Cutting

Cross cutting informal-informals on Part I General Provisions considered both Articles 4 and 5. On Article 4, progress was made in reaching a compromise on each paragraph, although delegations remain divided on the legal-status of non-parties to the Convention (paragraph 3) which was not discussed in detail. On Article 5, discussions continued on proposals on … Continued

Facilitator, 27 February 2023: Plenary Report Back on CBTT

Informal-informals on CBTT continued to discuss Part V and Annex II of the draft Agreement. With respect to Article 42 on objectives, discussions continued around existing proposals and the inclusion of “environmental assessments” as an objective. Regarding Article 43 on cooperation in CBTT there was general agreement, pending a proposal on the reference to holders … Continued

Facilitator, 27 February 2023: Plenary Report Back on MGRs

The Facilitator reported back on small group discussions and informal-informals on MGRs. There was general support for lifting the brackets around the term “non-monetary” benefits (Article 11, paragraph 2) but several proposals were made on other parts of the draft text. The proposals made were generally following two different approaches and the Facilitator encouraged delegations … Continued

Facilitator, 27 February 2023: Plenary Report Back on ABMTs

Informal-informals held on Friday 24th February 2023 focused on four main areas related to decision making and recognition in Article 19, the objection process in Article 19bis and emergency measures in Article 20 ante. During discussions around decision making, the point of departure is around the scope of the power of the CoP to establish … Continued

Facilitator, 27 February 2023: Plenary Report Back on EIAs

EIA informal-informals on Friday 24th February 2023 reviewed the work of the small working group and then considered various outstanding issues. On Article 39, it was agreed in principle, to include “any associated impacts” in addition to “environmental impacts” but the precise wording remains subject to further discussion. This agreement should also be reflected in … Continued

President, 24 February 2023: Plenary

Opening the 5th day of the resumed session, the President started with report backs from the Facilitators on informal-informals and small working groups on MGRs, EIAs, ABMTs, CBTT and cross-cutting. At the end of Friday 24th, the President will work with the Secretariat and Facilitators to update the draft text reflecting the work undertaken in … Continued

24 February 2023

Facilitator, 24 February 2023: Plenary Report Back on MGRs

The Facilitator reported back on small working group discussions on MGRs held on 23rd February which continued discussions on questions on the sharing of benefits, including on the building blocks for monetary benefit sharing. Discussions on a way forward to bring together different proposals to address a number of issues including placement, legal premise and … Continued

Facilitator, 24 February 2023: Plenary Report Back on ABMTs

Informal-informals on ABMTs included discussions on Article 19, with some delegations continuing to express reservations on paragraphs relating to recognition, and questioned the need for their inclusion in the agreement. Whereas other delegations were in favour of including a provision and were willing to work on text that would allow consideration and possible elaboration in … Continued

Facilitator, 24 February 2023: Plenary Report Back on EIAs

The third informal-informals on EIAs reviewed the work of the small working groups and concluded the reading of the further refreshed draft text on Part IV, EIAs. Some small changes were made to the objectives of Article 21 bis on EIAs but some text remains unfinished. Detailed discussions were held on Article 23 regarding the … Continued

Facilitator, 24 February 2023: Plenary Report Back on CBTT

During the second meeting of the small working group on CBTT substantive progress was made on Article 47, monitoring and review, specifically the provisions pursuant to the follow up and examination, and the committee on CBTT under the aegis of the Conference of Parties. Regarding Article 47 bis on the CBTT committee, the group were … Continued

Facilitator, 24 February 2023: Plenary Report Back on Cross-Cutting

Informal-informals on general provisions continued, focussing on general principles and approaches (Article 5) and international cooperation (Article 6). A wide range of proposals were received on the chapeau, with differing views expressed. There continued to be a strong divergence on the inclusion of ‘the common heritage of mankind’. While the vast majority support a reference … Continued

President, 23 February 2023: Plenary

The President opened the 4th day of the resumed session, with reports from the Facilitators of informal-informals on EIAs, ABMTs and cross-cutting on institutional arrangements, and the small working group on CBTT. The outcomes of small working groups will continue to be considered by the larger groups in the informal-informals. The President reiterated that it … Continued

23 February 2023

Facilitator, 23 February 2023: Plenary Report Back on Cross-Cutting

Informal-informals on cross-cutting continued discussions on Institutional Arrangements. Consultations continued concerning decision making by the Conference of Parties (CoP), and there was agreement on the central importance of the CoP promoting transparency. The establishment of a Scientific and Technical Body (STB) received general support, however one application expressed the view that it was not necessary … Continued

Facilitator, 23 February 2023: Plenary Report Back on CBTT

The small working group on CBTT mainly addressed the characterisation of the obligation for capacity building and with respect to the transfer of marine technology in relation to the various elements setting out a definition of additional modalities for this obligation. The Facilitator thanked delegations for their constructive participation but consensus has yet to be … Continued

Facilitator, 23 February 2023: Plenary Report Back on ABMTs

Informal-informals on AMBTs held on 22nd February focussed on Article 20 ante, emergency measures, for which there was general support and, although some delegations questioned the need for emergency measures, many delegations were in support of including a provision as a means to future proof the treaty. Delegations recognised the need for the process to … Continued

Facilitator, 23 February 2023: Plenary Report Back on EIAs

The second informal-informals on EIAs on 21st February reviewed the outcomes from the two small working groups on the impact vs activity based approach and certain aspects of decision making, and on a tiered threshold approach for EIAs. Work continued on Article 22, Obligation to conduct EIAs. Discussions were held on a proposal to include … Continued

Palestine, 22 February 2023: Plenary

Palestine made an impassioned intervention during Plenary, including making the first financial commitment to the Agreement during this resumed session of IGC5. Palestine noted that ocean health is climate health and thus global health and the ocean’s contribution to stabilising our climate is fundamentally changing for the worse. The Palestinian delegation quoted the UN Secretary … Continued

22 February 2023

Facilitator, 22 February 2023: Plenary Report Back on Cross-Cutting

Informal-informals discussed general provisions of the draft text in Part I, Articles 2 to 5. A proposal to include a reference to the ‘equitable sharing of benefits’ within the general objective of the BBNJ Agreement was met with reservations. Important discussions were had on Article 5 ‘General principles and approaches’ with support expressed for many … Continued