The UN is developing a new treaty to address the conservation of marine life and biodiversity in the high seas, beyond national territorial waters. Ahead of a preparatory committee meeting, to be held in March-April 2016, IMO’s Ed Kleverlaan attended an international workshop in Singapore (3-4 February) and outlined existing treaties and mechanisms to protect the oceans, such as the particularly sensitive sea areas (PSSAs) designated by IMO.
The workshop was organized by the National University of Singapore - Centre for International Law. The new international legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction is being developed under the auspices of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).