Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Working Group, a number of delegations, while open to considering the legal regime, pro-
posed to focus on practical measures to address existing implementation gaps and to en-
hance the conservation and sustainable use of marine genetic resources. Such measures
included: the promotion of MSR and development of codes of conduct; mechanisms for
cooperation, sharing of information, and knowledge resulting from research on marine ge-
netic resources, including by increasing the participation of researchers from developing
countries in relevant research projects; discussion of practical options for benefit-sharing,
including options for facilitating access to samples; and consideration of relevant intellec-
tual property aspects. While open to considering practical measures, other states continue
to stress the importance of discussions on the legal regime (cf. United Nations,
2008
and
All issues under consideration by the Working Group, in particular marine genetic
resources, including questions on the sharing of benefits; area-based management tools,
including marine protected areas (MPAs); environmental impact assessments (EIAs); and
capacity-building and technology transfer are now bundled into a package, as shown by
the outcome of the 2011 meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group, as
endorsed by the General Assembly at its 66th session (Resolution 66/231). The General
Assembly decided to initiate a process, within the Working Group, with a view to ensuring
that the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity
in areas beyond national jurisdiction effectively addresses those issues by identifying gaps
and ways forward, including through the implementation of existing instruments and the
possible development of a multilateral agreement under UNCLOS. The process is man-
datedtoconsider,togetherandasawhole,marinegeneticresources,includingquestionson
the sharing of benefits, measures such as area-based management tools, including marine
protected areas, and environmental impact assessments, capacity-building, and the trans-
fer of marine technology. While reaffirming its central role relating to the conservation
and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction, the
General Assembly has noted the work of states and relevant intergovernmental organiza-
tions and bodies on these issues, and invited them to contribute, within the areas of their
