In the ensuing debate, Papua New Guinea’s delegate, speaking for the Pacific small island developing States, lamented that in both resolutions, the Assembly was unable to reach consensus on paragraphs related to the findings of an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change special report, stressing that it is not enough to simply note the special report with concern. Pointing to the arrangement between the OSPAR Commission for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic and the North‑East Atlantic Fisheries Commission as a good example of such cooperation, she said the experience gained could serve as a model for other regions to strengthen a cross-sectoral approach. Regional cooperation is crucial for ensuring better coordination and policy coherence, said Norway’s representative introducing the draft. It urged States to increase their reliance on scientific advice in developing, adopting and implementing conservation and management measures. The General Assembly also adopted a consensus resolution, titled “Sustainable fisheries, including through the 1995 Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, and related instruments” (document A/74/L.21).īy its terms, the Assembly reaffirmed the importance of the long-term conservation, management and sustainable use of living marine ocean resources and State obligations to cooperate to this end. “The Convention does not provide sufficient safeguards for particular geographical situations and, as a consequence, does not take into consideration conflicting interests and sensitivities stemming from special circumstances,” he said. It is not the only legal framework regulating ocean activities. The text also touches on the issues of climate change and sea-level rise, addresses the ongoing process of negotiating an agreement on marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, notes preparations for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and includes revised paragraphs on capacity‑building aimed at improving the resolution’s overall coherence.Įxplaining his vote against the text, Turkey’s delegate said his country is not party to the Convention and does not agree that it has a “universal and unified character”. By its terms, the Assembly will encourage the International Seabed Authority to continue its work as a matter of priority. Singapore’s representative, who introduced the omnibus text, said it is among the Assembly’s most important annual resolutions. It also urged all States to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea and ensure freedom and safety of navigation. It further called on them to harmonize national legislation with the Convention, and for capacity-building initiatives to consider the needs of developing countries. The General Assembly today adopted two resolutions on the oceans and seas linked to implementation of the landmark 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, with speakers asserting during their annual debate that threats to the world’s marine ecosystem require firm political commitment and action.īy the terms of the resolution “Oceans and the law of the sea” (document A/74/L.22) - adopted by a recorded vote of 135 in favour to 1 against (Turkey), with 3 abstentions (Colombia, El Salvador, Venezuela) - the Assembly called on States that have not done so to become parties to the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Representatives of China, Togo, India Encourage Focus on ‘Blue Economy’ to Spur Inclusive Growth, Responsible Fishing Practices
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