ENB Update – 27 August 2019 | BBNJ | CITES CoP 18 | Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework

Jay OwenSustainability News, Earth Systems Science

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Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)27 August 2019 | UN Headquarters, New York

Delegates attending the third session of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) met in an informal working group on area-based management tools (ABMTs), including marine protected areas (MPAs). They also met behind closed doors to consider a number of “sticky issues” including: cumulative and transboundary impacts and ecologically or biologically significant or vulnerable areas under environmental impact assessments (EIAs); intellectual property rights as they relate to marine genetic resources (MGRs); and financial resources under cross-cutting issues.

In the corridors, some were concerned that “we have forgotten why we are here,” noting the need for the new High Seas agreement to conserve marine biodiversity, and in many cases, give it a chance to regenerate. “Look up from the text,” urged one delegate, emphasizing that the existing governance regime is “fragmented and not fit for purpose,” and rallying delegates to adopt a strong High Seas treaty to address the current gaps. Read full report

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CITES CoP 1827 August 2019 | Geneva, SwitzerlandThe day began with many firsts as the plenary swiftly completed its morning agenda and entered new territory in the interpretation of Article XVIII on the Resolution of Disputes. The EU, supported by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and opposed by Costa Rica, requested to reopen discussion on the Committee’s decision to accept the draft amendments to Resolution Conf. 11.20 (Rev. CoP17) concerning trade in live wild-caught elephants. Eventually, the CoP voted to adopt the amendments proposed by the EU, with 87 in favor and 25 against.The CoP adopted many listings proposals during the afternoon, as put forward by Committee I. The plenary will continue to discuss Committee I agenda items on Wednesday, the final day of CITES CoP18. Read full coverage[See photos]Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework27 August 2019 | UN Office, Nairobi, KenyaThe first meeting of the Working Group on the post-2020 framework kicked off on Tuesday with expectations of intensive work over four days on the scope and key elements of the structure of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (GBF). Throughout the day delegates heard reports of consultations and other contributions to the post-2020 process, and discussed potential elements on structure and scope of the post-2020 framework. During lunch, delegates attended an information session aimed at supporting a common approach and common understanding of issues under discussion during the first meeting of the Working Group. This new format replaces conventional side-events is being tested at the current meeting, for consideration in upcoming meetings. Read full coverage