Marine Biodiversity Working Group Concludes

The Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group of the General Assembly to study issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction (the Working Group) convened for its final day on Friday, 2 May, at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York.

During the morning, the Working Group reviewed and discussed the Co-Chairs' Draft Joint Statement. Delegates commended the efforts of the Co-Chairs and agreed that the Statement captured the general discussions. The Co-Chairs suggested the General Assembly may wish to consider referring several issues to the Working Group, including: more effective implementation and enforcement of existing instruments; the development and use of area-based management tools; practical measures to address the conservation and sustainable use of marine genetic resources; strengthening of cooperation and coordination at all levels and across all sectors; the development and implementation of EIAs; and continued and enhanced marine scientific research.

In the ensuing discussion, delegates made specific comments on elements of the Statement and the aspects of future work to be considered by the General Assembly. Many stressed that the issues listed do not constitute a negotiated package.

Co-Chair Hill praised the Working Group and thanked participants for their spirit of good will and cooperation. He gavelled the meeting to a close at 12:47pm.

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin summary and analysis of the Working Group will be available on Monday, 5 May 2008, on this site.