“Development of an International Legally Binding Instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction”

On Friday, 7 April, the plenary of the third session of the Preparatory Committee on the elements of a draft text of an international legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (PrepCom 3) met throughout the day. In the morning, delegates continued discussions on cross-cutting issues, including institutional arrangements, monitoring, review, compliance and dispute settlement.

Plenary then debated next steps in the process, including an updated, streamlined Chair’s non-paper based on submissions and PrepCom discussions, and draft substantive recommendations to the UN General Assembly, with an indication of areas of convergence. Delegates also shared expectations about the conduct, priorities and outcome of PrepCom 4. Confirming the need for expeditious intersessional preparations, Chair Duarte gaveled the meeting to a close at 3:47pm.

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