Description
Summary:The UN Open-ended Informal Consultation Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea produced some recommendations for improving the management and protection of marine genetic resources, including designing enforceable regulations along with liabilities and responsibilities related to marine genetic resources; increasing protection of the marine environment from the effects of man-made factors; and encouraging collaborative research, access and use of marine resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Although the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is recognized as the legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas, there is disagreement on how the Convention applies to marine genetic resources in areas outside national jurisdictions. The G-77 group of developing countries and China consider marine genetic resources common heritage of mankind"; while Japan, the U.S. and some other developed countries argue that they fall under the provisions relating to the high seas. The debate will continue in 2008 at the UN Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group on issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction. Prepared in cooperation with Battelle Columbus Operations, OH.