Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
7
'A limited number of institutions worldwide own or operate vehicles that are able to reach areas deeper
than 1,000 meters below the oceans' surface, and can therefore be actively involved in deep seabed re-
8
'Parties shall consider the need for and the modalities of a global multilateral benefit-sharing mechan-
ism to address the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the utilization of genetic resources
and traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources that occur in transboundary situations or for
which it is not possible to grant or obtain prior informed consent. The benefits shared by users of genetic
resources and traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources through this mechanism shall be
used to support the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components glob-
ally.' While the Nagoya Protocol does not apply to areas beyond national jurisdiction, it could become a
source of inspiration. Another relevant instrument could be the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Re-
sources for Food and Agriculture, concluded in 2001 under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Or-
ganization (FAO).
9
Art. 241 UNCLOS is also relevant in a discussion on the legal condition of the genetic resources of the
deep seabed. It provides that 'marine scientific research activities shall not constitute the legal basis for
any claim to any part of the marine environment or its resources'.
10
'The Future We Want' is the outcome document adopted by the United Nations Conference on Sus-
tainable Development, held in Rio de Janeiro in 2012 (so-called 'Rio+20 Conference') (UNGA,
2012
).
