Photo: Andy Schmid / Andy Schmid, UN World Oceans Day 2023 photo competition
Under the overall objective of the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, for the present and in the long-term, through effective implementation of the relevant provisions of the Convention and further international cooperation and coordination, the Agreement addresses four main issues:
Marine genetic resources, including the fair and equitable sharing of benefits;
Measures such as area-based management tools, including marine protected areas;
Environmental impact assessments; and
Capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology.
The Agreement also addresses a number of “cross-cutting issues”, establishes a funding mechanism and sets up institutional arrangements, including a Conference of the Parties and various subsidiary bodies, a Clearing-House Mechanism and a secretariat.
The Agreement is open for signature by all States and regional economic integration organizations from 20 September 2023 to 20 September 2025, and will enter into force 120 days after the date of deposit of the sixtieth instrument of ratification, approval, acceptance or accession.