The entry into force of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement is a major milestone for multilateralism and a success for international cooperation on the ocean. Swift action is now required to turn the ambitions of the Agreement into marine management realities.
Inclusive partnerships will enable concrete cooperation and coordination among governments, competent international institutions, science and civil society for the advance conservation and sustainable use of biodiverse areas.
Living High Seas is a pioneering and ambitious initiative that brings together these key actors to support the co-development of the first generation of area-based management tools (ABMTs), including marine protected areas (MPAs), under the BBNJ Agreement.
Living High Seas is about partnerships in action. It brings the BBNJ Agreement to life through concrete cooperation for ocean biodiversity.
within countries, across ministries, sectors and stakeholders
across countries and regions
among relevant international institutions, frameworks and bodies
At the core of Living High Seas is a diverse group of countries: Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Indonesia, Micronesia, and Senegal. These champions share a strong scientific, socio-economic and political interest in pioneering implementation of the BBNJ Agreement for specific areas of the ocean – together with other countries and stakeholders in their regions and globally.
Living High Seas is supporting these forerunners in the co-development and submission of ABMT proposals, including MPAs, for sites of high biodiversity value in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic ocean basins. In doing so, it supports development of capacities, strengthening of governance, and knowledge transfer. The partnership comprises three interlinked workstreams:
Partner countries co-develop regionally supported proposals for ABMTs/MPAs
Develops scientifically robust ABMT/MPA proposals, based on quality process standards
Enables co-development processes for politically supported ABMT/MPA proposals
Facilitates global exchange and uptake of knowledge and experiences
Local action partners co-driving implementation at national and regional levels