On Wednesday, delegates to the twelfth meeting of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (Consultative Process or ICP-12) heard a summary report of the international earth system expert workshop on ocean stresses and impacts.

Participants then convened in a discussion panel on new and emerging challenges for the sustainable development and use of oceans and seas.

In the morning and early afternoon, presentations and discussions were held on: global warming as a new and emerging challenge to the sustainable use of marine fish resources; a legal perspective on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity within and beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, including marine genetic resources; and new and emerging challenges.

Also in the afternoon, delegates convened in a discussion panel on the road to Rio+20 and beyond with presentations held on: achieving a significant outcome on oceans; and a blueprint for overcoming poverty and attaining sustainable growth and equity.