Highlights and images for 26 August 2025

The need for a balanced approach as well as for technical discussions for the holistic consideration of the matters to be addressed by the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP1) was evident during the Preparatory Commission’s (PrepCom’s) deliberations. Delegates considered elements of the financial mechanism. The operationalization of the special fund as a key component of the financial mechanism was repeatedly highlighted by delegates, in particular those from developing countries. They further addressed terms of reference (ToR) and modalities for the operation of subsidiary bodies, focusing on the scientific and technical body as a potential model.

In the morning, delegates addressed a working document circulated by Co-Chairs Janine Coye-Felson (Belize) and Adam McCarthy (Australia) on the ToR for the scientific and technical body. Discussions focused on the body’s scope of work, relationship with the rules of procedure of the COP, definitions, purpose, functions, and membership.

Many delegates stressed the need to avoid repetition and overlaps, ensure cooperation and coordination between the subsidiary bodies, and use agreed language from the the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), where possible.

Many noted that the rules of procedure of the COP shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to all matters not specifically dealt with under the ToR, with a regional group adding that in the event of any divergence, the rules of procedure shall prevail unless otherwise decided by the COP. Some delegates insisted that all recommendations should be adopted strictly by consensus.

Discussions on membership focused on: capacity of members; eligibility criteria; number of members and the selection process, with many delegates arguing for at least one dedicated seat for small island developing states, least developed countries, and Indigenous Peoples; and officers, term of office, and replacement members.

Deliberations continued in a parallel session in the afternoon, with delegates focusing on, among other things, modalities for the operation of the scientific and technical body, including its programme of work and meeting modalities.

The second afternoon parallel session focused on possible elements of a process for the operationalization of the special fund and on draft elements for the ToR of the voluntary trust fund on the basis of working documents circulated by the Co-Chairs.

Many delegates highlighted the special fund as the primary mechanism for implementing the BBNJ Agreement and supported its early operationalization, and the need for effective and efficient management. Deliberations focused on:

• guiding principles or approaches;
• timeline, modalities, and milestones; and
• areas of focus of the operationalization process.

Many delegates emphasized that the document is on the right track in terms of the elements it provides for the operationalization of the special fund. Deliberations focused on modalities for intersessional steps, including potentially establishing a technical working group to develop proposals on modalities, governance, and operationalization for consideration at PrepCom III.

Discussions on the voluntary trust fund to support participation of developing country representatives at meetings of the bodies established under the BBNJ Agreement were interactive and focused on, among other things: eligibility and use of the fund; allocation of available funds; applications for financial assistance; and consideration of applications.

Delegates exchanged views on potentially establishing an advisory board or other mechanism, potentially under the finance committee, to assist in providing guidance on the administration of the voluntary trust fund, particularly regarding prioritization in cases of limited funds.