The conservation of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction

Abstract:

As a source of ecological balance and a valuable economical resource, marine biological diversity is doubtless a global environmental concern. The alarming rate of degradation directly calls into question the responses provided under the laws of ocean governance. This article focuses on marine biological diversity in "areas beyond national jurisdiction" (ABNJ) under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It provides an overview of the present conservation regime. The first diagnosis is that the conservation of marine biodiversity in ABNJ is filled with gaps: gaps in mandate or competence, gaps in the exercise of existing mandates and institutional gaps. The ever-increasing need for conservation is therefore not satisfied. The downfall of high seas freedom as a leading principle in ABNJ governance and the plausible revitalisation of the Common Heritage of Mankind are to be expected in order to obtain further guarantees towards a sustainable management.

Año de publicación:

2005

Keywords:

Fuente:

scopus

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