Archives
High-Level Scientific Conference “From COP21 towards the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)”
The two-day conference synthesized recent scientific progress on ocean and climate interplays; evaluated the latest ocean-climate trends within the context of increased ocean action; and reflected on ways to move “from science to action” during the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)
67th Meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC67)
The presence of aboriginal whale hunters at the meeting provided moving and compelling statements. Adoption of the amendment, which required a three-fourths majority, was viewed by many delegates as an example of the IWC’s ability to find a balance between the pro-whaling forces and those strongly opposed. Other IWC-67 decisions fell squarely along traditional divides.
Coverage of Side Events at BBNJ
This side event showcased a policy brief on capacity development by a multi-author, multi-stakeholder group led by the Global Environment Facility / Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN / Global Ocean Forum (GEF/FAO/GOF) Project on ‘Strengthening Global Capacity to Effectively Manage Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction.’ Panelists discussed finance and clearinghouse mechanisms as well as modalities to link global, regional, and national actions.
Bangkok Climate Change Conference - September 2018
UNFCCC parties had agreed to an additional meeting in the lead up to the Katowice Climate Change Conference COP 24 to ensure the "timely completion" of the Paris Agreement Work Programme.
1st Session of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on an International Legally Binding Instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyo...
Delegates considered a document prepared by the IGC President, which identified areas for further discussion not containing treaty text, aimed at leading to substantive discussions based on the elements of a package agreed in 2011 on marine genetic resources (MGRs), including questions on benefit-sharing; environmental impact assessments (EIAs); area-based management tools (ABMTs), including marine protected areas (MPAs); and capacity building and marine technology transfer (CB&TT).
11th Meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (OEWG11)
Delegates adopted decisions on practical manuals and guidance on environmentally sound management; technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management (ESM) of wastes consisting of, containing or contaminated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs); technical guidelines on transboundary movements of electric and electronic wastes (e-waste) and used electrical and electronic equipment; and more
29th UN-Water Meeting
Agenda items included updates on the outcome of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the recommendations from the High Level Panel on Water, and the “Global call to action for WASH in healthcare facilities” and “WASH4Work” initiatives. Ongoing monitoring initiatives were discussed, and a panel discussed their experiences with promoting water and sanitation issues within their own organizations
2nd Part of the 24th Session of the International Seabed Authority
The Council made progress on the draft exploitation regulations, while recognizing the need for further work on the payment mechanism, environmental protection, and the Enterprise. The Assembly adopted the strategic plan for 2019-2023, with many welcoming the open consultation that preceded it and the placing of the ISA’s mandate in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Workshop on Energy Efficiency Opportunities While Phasing-Down Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and 40th Meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
During OEWG 40, delegates considered the outcomes of this workshop and the report by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) on energy efficiency in the refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump sectors, and how to take up energy efficiency opportunities while phasing down HFCs under the Protocol in the future. Much of OEWG 40 focused on addressing appropriate action in response to an unexpected increase in trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11) emissions