Informal-informals on ABMTs continued to focus on the power of the Conference of Parties (CoP) in decision-making and the establishment of ABMTs, including MPAs in ABNJ. Discussions have taken place on what decisions the CoP can take, and how CoP decisions relate to other bodies and instruments. There continues to be strong support to have a clear statement on the CoP’s ability to take decisions on the establishment of ABMTs and MPAs, but States remain divided on how the CoP’s powers will interact with existing agreements and international frameworks and bodies. Discussions going forward will focus on how CoP ABMT decisions need to account for national jurisdictions, sovereign rights and interest, and emergency measures.
