SIDS Capacity-Development Aspects in the BBNJ process

SIDS Capacity Development Aspects in the BBNJ process

7 - 9 March 2017, Oostende/Brussels, Belgium

As a contribution to a fruitful third Preparatory Committee on marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction to be held in March-April 2017, the Government of Belgium and UNESCO-IOC are co-organizing a workshop on the various aspects of implementing capacity-development and technology transfer, related to the following elements of a new international instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ): marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments and marine genetic resources.

This informal workshop will take place from March 7th to 9th under the Chatham House Rule and will bring together representatives of SIDS with a special interest and expertise in the BBNJ process. The workshop aims at providing a unique opportunity to substantially discuss capacity-building needs and priorities of SIDS concerning biodiversity and oceans.

Besides discussing BBNJ, experts will also be given an opportunity to exchange views on challenges SIDS are facing due to climate change.

Venues

Egmont Palace, Place du Petit Sablon 8bis, 1000 Brussels
UNESCO-IOC Project Office for IODE, Wandelaarkaai 7, 8400 Oostende
Provinciaal Hof, Markt 3, 8000 Brugge
European Commission - Berlaymont, Rue de la Loi 200, 1000 Brussels

Publications

Opening statement by Vice-Prime Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, H.E. Mr Didier REYNDERS [Download]
Opening statement by AOSIS Chair and Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Maldives to the United Nations, H.E. Mr Ahmed SAREER [Download]
NEW: Workshop Take-Away document prepared by the Moderators [Download]
Book of abstracts of presentations and short profile description of presenters [Download]
Brochure of exhibitors on Blue Economy and Sustainability (NGOs and local companies) [Download]

Media

From ocean plastic waste to fashionable eyewear, United Nations Regional Information Centre (English version) or (version Français)

Contact Information

Peter Verbrugghe
Belgium’s Federal Public Service, Foreign Affairs
United Nations Department
Rue des Petits Carmes 15, B-1000 Brussels
T +32 2 501 42 76 - Mob +32 472 30 53 36
peter.verbrugghe@diplobel.fed.be

Press Contacts

Didier Vanderhasselt
Spokesperson, Head of Press and Communication
Belgium’s Federal Public Service, Foreign Affairs
Rue des Petits Carmes 15, B-1000 Brussels
T +32 2 501 80 41 - Mob +32 477 40 32 12
didier.vanderhasselt@diplobel.fed.be

José de Pierpont
Deputy spokesperson
Belgium’s Federal Public Service, Foreign Affairs
Rue des Petits Carmes 15, B-1000 Brussels
T +32 2 501 81 09 - Mob +32 471 44 06 04
Jose.dePierpont@diplobel.fed.be

Background documents

Chair’s non-paper on elements of a draft text of an international legally-binding instrument under UNCLOS on BBNJ [download]
IOC Criteria and Guidelines for Transfer of Marine Technology (IOC-CGTMT) [Download]
IOC Brochure on Transfer of Marine Technology activities [Download]
Small Islands and Sustainable Development Goal 14, Q&A with Peter Thomson [Download]

The long and winding road continues: Towards a new agreement on high seas governance (by IDDRI) [Download]
BBNJ Matrix of Suggestions (maintained by IUCN) [Download]
IUCN submission paper to BBNJ PrepCom Chair (Dec 2016) [Download]
Protecting Ocean Life on the High Seas (by Pew Trust) [visit page]
Infographic High Stakes on the High Seas (by Pew Trust) [visit page]
Nereus Scientific and Technical Briefs on Marine Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) series [visit page]
Effective Coverage Targets for Ocean Protection, Conservation Letters, 2016 [visit page]

Healthy Oceans, Resilient Islands