Views & Analysis

HSA reflection on the MGR discussion 27.3.19

HSA REFLECTION ON THE MGR DISCUSSION 27.3.19 In the scope discussion on MGRs, a number of countries argued that fisheries are outside the scope of the Agreement. The HSA intervened to make it clear firstly that this issue has already been resolved by the agreement that this process and the instrument will not undermine other … Continued

27 March 2019

Blog: Off to a good start: Duncan Currie, legal advisor to the High Seas Alliance

IGC2 started with general statements by States expressing real concern that the ocean is in a serious condition and that something has to be done urgently to address this. There was widespread agreement that the status quo is not enough and statements by many countries and regional groups were very positive and strong in support … Continued

Blog: Marine Genetic Resources: Harriet Harden-Davies

Marine Genetic Resources  Harriet Harden-Davies – Research fellow at the University of Wollongong, on the delegation of Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI)  Marine Genetic Resources (MGR) are a fundamental part of biodiversity. They’re part of the operating system that keep our ocean healthy and keep our planet working. Their true value extends far beyond the … Continued

High Seas Alliance Statement, 27th March 2019

The Pew Charitable Trusts on behalf of High Seas Alliance Measures Such as Area Based Management Tools including Marine Protected Areas Intervention Day 3 IGC2 – 27 March 2019 Agenda Item 6 4.3 Process 4.3.1 Identification of Areas Thank you Madam Facilitator and good afternoon delegates. I deliver these remarks as the Pew Charitable Trusts … Continued

Update on the Treaty Tracker Proceedings and coverage

THE PROCESS NOW In advance of the second round of negotiations (IGC2),  President Rena Lee released the Aid to Negotiation. This is not formal or ‘zero draft’ text for a treaty but a means of identifying where there is convergence, or where further discussion is needed,  towards the development of draft treaty text. After opening … Continued

New Video: Harriet Harden-Davies explains marine genetic resources and gives us an update from the working group

Harriet Harden-Davies, Nereus Research Fellow at University of Wollogong, explains why marine genetic resources are a key component of a legally binding treaty to protect the high seas. Harriet Harden-Davies, Nereus Research Fellow at University of Wollongong gives us an update on the discussions during the Working Group on Marine Genetic Resources.    

26 March 2019

High Seas Alliance Statement, 25th March 2019

I deliver these remarks on behalf of the High Seas Alliance and our over 40 member NGOs actively working for a healthy Ocean. We commend you, your team and DOALOS for your tremendous work in producing the President’s Aid to Negotiations in such a timely manner. This was also a reflection of the constructive efforts … Continued

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25 March 2019

New Video: We Are Off To A Great Start, But Time Is Of The Essence

Duncan Currie, legal advisor to the High Seas Alliance gives us an update on the opening statements delivered by Member States during the first day of negotiations. Countries expressed real concern over the declining state of the ocean and identified the urgent need to do something to address this.   We were pleased to hear … Continued

Amid Mounting Warnings of Ocean Threat, UN Talks Resume on the World’s First Legally Binding Treaty to Protect the High Seas

Treaty negotiations to conserve and protect nearly two-thirds of the ocean reconvene today at the United Nations (UN) with countries set to begin work towards a first draft text over the coming fortnight. The two-week Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) is the second of four negotiating sessions aimed at sealing a new legally binding treaty to protect … Continued

First Intergovernmental Conference Comes to a Close

The main business of the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) concluded with applause on Friday, September 14 and closing remarks by the President of the Conference Ambassador Rena Lee of Singapore. There was a palpable sense of optimism in the room, as it was evident that there is a clear path towards a … Continued

17 September 2018

What is a Marine Genetic Resource?

Harriet Harden-Davies, Neureus Research Fellow at University of Wollogong, sits down with us to explain what Marine Genetic Resources are and why it’s one of the main elements of this agreement up for discussion.   Harriet Harden-Davies, Neureus Research Fellow at University of Wollogong, explains the need to harness scientific and technological advancements, while ensuring … Continued

15 September 2018

Update on Treaty Tracker

The Treaty Tracker went live last week, and as with any endeavour, there is a learning curve. Our process involves using a primary and secondary note taker, a synthesizer and then a builder and reviewer to try to bring you the most accurate summary of key points being made.  In addition, we always link to … Continued

13 September 2018

What is a zero draft?

Peggy Kalas, coordinator of the High Seas Alliance, give us an update on the agenda for the next few days and explains the importance of moving into negotiations around a zero draft. What is the Zero Draft and Why Does It Matter? By Duncan Currie* A zero draft usually presents the first version of an … Continued

12 September 2018

Diving Deeper Into EIAs

Lisa Speer, Director of International Oceans Program at NRDC, dives deeper into Environmental Impact Assessments and why they are important to ensuring the proper protection of the ocean. If you’d like to learn more about Environmental Impact Assessments, read the blog below from Duncan Currie, legal advisor for the High Seas Alliance: An environmental impact assessment … Continued

HSA statement on EIAs now available

High Seas Alliance: Environmental Impact Assessments 11 September 2018 Cluster 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 Thank you Mr Facilitator. I will be brief and skip sections including some already addressed by other delegations, and our longer remarks will be on Papersmart. On 5.4  a and b EIA   Process: We believe the agreement need not specify a high … Continued

11 September 2018

What to expect in week 2

Liz Karan, senior manager of high seas at The Pew Charitable Trusts, tells us what we can expect in the week ahead.

ABMTs and MPAs run short of time

Day one of week two at the IGC was taken up with Area Based Management Tools (ABMTs) including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). The sessions were held as informal working groups although this is still the full complement of States, Intergovernmental Organisations (IGOs) and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The sessions went … Continued

See the latest Greenpeace statement on behalf of the HSA: ABMTs + MPAs Informal Session

Brief written intervention for Greenpeace on behalf of High Seas Alliance; not given verbally due to session running out of time Align with G77 + China, the EU, African Group, PSIDS, CARICOM, Argentina, Brazil, Singapore, Costa Rica, South Africa, Senegal, Kenya, and many others, for a global approach, a wide consultation process, a Conference of … Continued

10 September 2018

Update after the first week of negotiations

There has been a great buzz during week one of the UN high seas biodiversity treaty negotiations. Duncan Currie, legal advisor to the High Seas Alliance, gives us an update so far and shares his hopes for the week to come.

9 September 2018

Views from HSA Members inside the Treaty negotiations on progress so far

Duncan Currie, legal advisor for the HSA, tells us that States are talking about MPAs and the need to create MPAs during negotiations for a new UN high sea treaty.  Matthew Gianni, co-founder and political policy advisor for the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, tells us what a robust UN high seas biodiversity treaty means … Continued

6 September 2018