The STRONG High Seas project was invited to take part in the inter-ministerial National Dialogue titled ‘Mejora de la base de conocimientos para la gestión intersectorial y la gobernanza de los océanos en áreas más allá de la jurisdicción nacional del Pacífico sudoriental’ organised by the Government of Peru on 25 February 2020 in Lima, Peru, to discuss the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).
The Director of the Directorate-General for Sovereignty, Limits and Antarctic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru, Ambassador Hubert Wieland Conroy, opened the meeting and welcomed participants to the National Dialogue on BBNJ.
Dr. Carole Durussel of IASS gave a presentation on the ecological significance of areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), current and future impacts of human activities on ABNJ and the need to ensure a better conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in these areas. Dr. Durussel outlined the process at the UN negotiations on a BBNJ agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the elements of the BBNJ agreement, as well as progress made to date.
Dr. Piero Villegas Apaza of the Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE) gave a presentation on advances in marine research in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The presentations were followed by a panel discussion lead by Minister Counsellor Andrés Martín Garrido Sánchez of the Directorate of Maritime Affairs of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Peru.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various ministries of Peru as well as scientific institutions, private sector and NGOs.
