UN Member States are expected to formally adopt a new treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Many highlighted progress on strengthening the ecosystem approach, addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, preserving deep-sea ecosystems, and promoting coordination between Regional Fisheries Management Organizations. But there was no consensus to reference the Agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Held in a spirit of celebration of recent international progress, notably the newly agreed UN high seas treaty, the 14th Meeting of the Monaco Blue Initiative discussed options for ocean conservation and a sustainable blue economy. Debates centered on fisheries, marine protected areas, ecosystem restoration and scaling solutions.

Governments agreed on a draft treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. The eventual treaty will address exploitation of marine genetic resources, including benefit-sharing; establish area-based management tools, such as marine protected areas; set procedures for environmental impact assessments; and provide capacity building and transfer of marine technology.