Publication Details
Pouponneau, A., Raguain, J., Eck, K. (2025). The BBNJ Agreement: From fragmentation to coordination across multiple regimes. Report for the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong. 17 March 2025.
Executive Summary
Ocean governance has long been criticized for its fragmentation. The BBNJ Agreement aims to foster cooperation and coherence across regimes, but operationalizing this interaction presents significant challenges. This paper analyzes the complex landscape of regime interaction to support States in developing strategic negotiating positions for effective BBNJ implementation. The paper maps relationships between the BBNJ Agreement and other key regimes— biodiversity, climate, shipping, deep seabed mining, and fisheries—identifying jurisdictional overlaps and potential synergies. We examine provisions that advance regime interaction while highlighting practical implementation challenges, including conflicting goals across different forums, procedural alignment issues for ABMTs and EIAs, and risks of duplication. The paper zooms in on the considerations for SIDS, whose leadership was instrumental in BBNJ negotiations, varying interests across different ocean governance regimes may create tensions within coalition positions. A comprehensive timeline of relevant meetings across multiple regimes has been provided to allow strategic engagement. Four key recommendations are provided for States preparing for the Preparatory Commission:
- Understanding coalition interests across regimes,
- Monitoring positions of different actors,
- Developing coordinating mechanisms for national positions, and
- Identifying opportunities to operationalize SIDS’ special circumstances.
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The BBNJ Agreement: from Fragmentation to Coordination across multiple regimes
