The United Nations has begun negotiations for a new legally binding treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological resources in the world’s oceans – nearly 64 percent of which lie beyond national jurisdiction.

Elizabeth Wilson, Director of International Ocean Policy for The Pew Charitable Trusts, told IPS the treaty negotiations are expected to cover four things: marine genetic resources (including questions on the 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.

A UN Preparatory Committee, established by the General Assembly, will hold its first sessions beginning March 28 and continue through 8 April.

Wilson said this is the start of the process, which will continue on with Preparatory Committee meetings through 2017.

In 2018, the General Assembly is expected to decide on the convening of an intergovernmental conference to finalize an agreement.

This is the start of a multiyear process that could lead to significant new protections for the high seas.

Wilson said: “This series of meetings could lead to some of the most significant new protections for the ocean in a generation. Nations have the chance to come together to close management gaps on the high seas and show their commitment to marine conservation beyond borders.”

Ambassador Dr Palitha Kohona, co-Chair, UN Ad Hoc Committee on Biological Diversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BDBNJ), told IPS the preparatory committee is required to make recommendations on an implementing instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

An intergovernmental conference is expected to be convened by the GA at its 72nd Session for this purpose.

Given the urgency felt by the vast majority of states, especially members of the Group of 77 (G77) and China and the European Union (EU), there would be considerable pressure on the preparatory committee to make concrete recommendations within the time frame specified.

“But one must also be realistic,” warned Dr Kohona, a former Chief of the UN Treaty Section.

“There was palpable reluctance demonstrated by certain major countries, such as the US, Russia, Japan, Norway and the Republic of Korea to join the majority during the negotiations in the working group. They are also among the few with the technological capability to exploit the biological resources of the deep”.