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Highlights for Tuesday, 20 August 2019 Nurse shark from Mexico. Photo by Marcelo Halpern The third session of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) convened in New York on Tuesday, with delegates meeting in an open informal working group, as well as behind closed doors in two “informal-informals.” During the informal working group, they discussed capacity building and the transfer of marine technology (CB&TT), focusing on specific aspects related to the objectives of CB&TT, cooperation, and modalities. Highlights of the day include: Informal-informals on the modalities for CB&TT, including whether it will be voluntary or mandatory in nature; Informal-informals on area-based management tools (ABMTs), including aspects related to decision-making, such as the establishment of ABMTs and their relationship with relevant existing instruments; and Discussions in plenary on the objectives of and cooperation under CB&TT. In the afternoon, IGC President Lee offered a brief summary of the informal-informals held during the morning, focusing on CB&TT modalities. She highlighted, inter alia, that participants had: expressed diverging views in favor of CB&TT being provided on a voluntary or mandatory basis; elaborated on the circumstances under which CB&TT would be voluntary and mandatory, respectively; and exchanged opinions about “what we are trying to achieve here” and whether the new treaty should reflect “what is in UNCLOS” or go beyond the Convention. In the corridors, some delegates found the new format refreshing while others expressed concerns about the new closed-door negotiating modalities, noting that, “Limiting participation at a time where transparency and public engagement have become a central tenet across the global political spectrum does not seem to be a step in the right direction.” For more details on the day’s negotiations and to hear what delegates said in the corridors, see our daily Earth Negotiations Bulletin. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, has provided daily web coverage, daily reports, and a summary and analysis report from BBNJ IGC-3. The summary and analysis report is now available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Francis Dejon For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. Photos in the corridors Informal Working Group IGC President Rena Lee, Singapore, convenes the IGC informal working group on CB&TT L-R: Miguel de Serpa Soares, Secretary-General of the IGC, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and UN Legal Counsel; IGC President Rena Lee, Singapore; and Gabriele Goettsche-Wanli, Director, UN Division of Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea (UNDOALOS) Teresa Cruz Sardiñas, Cuba Marc Richir, EU Yolannie Cerrato, Honduras Katie Hamilton, Australia Ali Nasimfar, Iran Amanda Richards, New Zealand Fakasoa Tealei, Tuvalu Elizabeth Kim, US Babajide Alo, Nigeria Fuad Bateh, Palestine, on behalf of the G-77/China Sergey Leonidchenko, Russian Federation Huang Yingni, China Members of the High Seas Alliance in consultation

Highlights for Monday, 19 August 2019 Sharks, fish, and a sea cucumber welcome delegates to the venue as the third day of CITES CoP18 continues. In resuming the meeting, Committee II Chair Craig Hoover noted that he would refrain from singing “to the relief of all.” He then moved on swiftly through a packed agenda that the Committee tackled diligently over three sessions, including an evening one. During the discussion on Guidance materials, activities, and tools aimed at enhancing Parties’ capacity to regulate bushmeat trade many, including EU, Norway, China, and the Convention for Biological Diversity (CBD) welcomed the use of the term “wild meat.” The US cautioned that the Convention should not lose sight of the negative impact of international commercial demand for wild meat.Most of the morning session and part of the afternoon session in Committee II covered agenda items related to the role of rural communities and their engagement in CITES processes. Canada highlighted ways they involve rural and indigenous local communities in CITES and other processes. She proposed that CITES issue a notification asking parties how they involve such communities in CITES processes. The EU supported the Secretariat’s proposed amendment to include rural communities in the CITES national delegation. The Namibian Association of Community-Based Natural Resource Management Support Organisations (NACSO) emphasized that rural communities are the first line of defense against poaching and their involvement is essential to conserving wildlife. The need to harmonize the terminology was also addressed. A very long discussion, addressing some of the proposed amendments by China, Namibia, and Zimbabwe to the CITES and livelihoods and other relevant resolutions, focused on whether and how to take into consideration the impact of species listing proposals on rural communities and their livelihoods. Chair Hoover struck a working group to address amendments to relevant decisions and resolutions.Committee I continued its discussions by addressing several marine species, including marine turtles, sharks, and rays. On eels, the US proposed text to clarify that traceability measures would apply to both live and dead eels. Algeria noted the country’s lack of expertise in conducting an inventory and requested technical support from the Animals Committee.On humphead wrasse, Japan drew attention to how illegal fishing activities undermine the ongoing legal trade and management work for the species. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) drew attention to the ranching practices of Indonesia, stating that there is potential for sustainable management, but that the purpose code R should not be used for this trade and practice for the species.On sharks, Peru, supported by Gabon and opposed by Japan and India, called for strengthening monitoring and improving identification of shark fin in transit. The Committee established a working group, chaired by New Zealand.Peru then introduced the document on Titicaca water frogs, noting that this species faces increasing threats from illegal international trade, despite extensive regional conservation efforts. Costa Rica, on behalf of multiple Latin American parties, appraised the conservation efforts and conveyed strong support for the document. The US, with Canada supporting, added this might be better addressed with bilateral work considering that the frog is already listed in Appendix I.Committee II reconvened in the evening to discuss agenda items on compliance and enforcement. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage and a summary and analysis report from CITES CoP18. Photos by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. Committee I: Species-Specific Matters Plenary is full as discussions on species-specific matters continue. Elisante Ombeni Leguma, Tanzania Kim Friedman, Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) Mateus José Mutemba, Mozambique Shonisani "Shoni" Munzhedzi, South Africa Chair Rod Hay, New Zealand Mark Jones, Born Free Foundation Eugène Lapointe, IWMC World Conservation Trust Patrick Omondi, Kenya Daniel Fernando, Sri Lanka Carla Louise Mousset Moumbolou, Gabon Carole Lanteri, Monaco Kathleen Taituave, Samoa Monica Biondo, Foundation Franz Weber Ilham Mohamed, Maldives Committee II: Interpretation and Implementation Matters Delegates during the discussions. Chair Craig Hoover, US Ji Wei, China Juan Francisco García Vasquez, Guatemala Chantal Robichaud, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Awidya Santikajaya, Indonesia Ndumiso Nkambule, eSwatini Elly Hamunyela, Namibia Jessica Maria Gálvez-Durand Besnard, Peru Germán Proffen, Argentina Gladys Njoroge, Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association Eugene Mutangana, Rwanda Juan Enrique Iglesias García, Ecuador Around the Venue Michael Williams, CITES Secretariat, facilitates a press conference with CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero; Committee I Chair Rod Hay, New Zealand; and Committee II Chair Craig Hoover, US Jonathan Barzdo, Independent Consultant Kumara Wakjira, Ethiopia, speaks with delegates. CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero (center) poses with delegates for a photo. Delegates from Indonesia speak informally. Abdukadir Maskaev, Tajikistan, speaks with delegates. Delegates from Niger share a moment. Delegates speak informally between sessions. Aurélie Flore Koumba Pambo and Edwige Koumby Missambo, Gabon A delegate visits the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) webpage.

Highlights for Monday, 19 August 2019 Bigfin reef squid from the Philippines. Photo by Marcelo Halpern The third session of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) began in New York on Monday. For this meeting, delegates have, as a basis for their negotiations, a draft text of an agreement containing treaty language, prepared by IGC President Rena Lee (Singapore) and the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea.In opening statements, both IGC President Rena Lee and Under Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and UN Legal Counsel Miguel de Serpa Soares pointed to the recent Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), noting that BBNJ can be a part of “turning the tide” on global biodiversity loss.As delegates exchanged general views and began an in-depth consideration of the draft text, the highlights of the first day include, inter alia: Divergence in understanding on fundamental issues, including the timeframe for the conclusion of discussions on the ILBI; Agreement on the need to have an article on “General Objectives,” separate from objectives relating to specific aspects of the 2011 package; Divergence on the application of the instrument, and the need for a separate article on sovereign immunity, given that this is reflected in UNCLOS; and Discussions on the future instrument’s relationship with existing instruments and frameworks. In their general statements, several supported the common heritage of humankind as an overarching principle governing marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. Many also highlighted the importance of capacity building and the transfer of marine technology to operationalize the future instrument.In the corridors, delegates and participants exchanged ideas on the potential trade-off between the timely conclusion of the IGC considerations and the quality of the new treaty. While some cautioned against “self-imposed” deadlines, others underscored the urgency of the issues under discussion, stressing that “time matters.” Most agreed, however, that informal deliberations throughout the session will allow for fine-tuning the text and hopefully bridging existing divergent opinions.For more details on the day’s negotiations and to hear what delegates said in the corridors, see our daily Earth Negotiations Bulletin. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, has provided daily web coverage, daily reports, and a summary and analysis report from BBNJ IGC-3. The summary and analysis report is now available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Francis Dejon For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. View of the opening plenary L-R: Dais during the opening session with Miguel de Serpa Soares, Secretary-General of the IGC, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and UN Legal Counsel; IGC President Rena Lee, Singapore; Gabriele Goettsche-Wanli, Director, UN Division of Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea (UNDOALOS); Alice Hicuburundi, UNDOALOS; and Charlotte Salpin, UNDOALOS IGC President Rena Lee, Singapore Miguel de Serpa Soares, Secretary-General of the IGC, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and UN Legal Counsel Gabriele Goettsche-Wanli, UNDOALOS Feda Abdelhady-Nasser, Palestine, on behalf of the G-77/China Perks Ligoya, Malawi, on behalf of the Least Developed Countries Andreas Papaconstantinou, EU Martin Mainero and Fernando Marani, Argentina, reviewing draft text Janine Coye-Felson, Belize, on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Carlos Mata, Uruguay, on behalf of the Like-Minded Latin American Countries Essam Yassin Mohammed, Eritrea Yang Liu, China Juliette Babb-Riley, Barbados, on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Juan Cuéllar Torres, Colombia, on behalf of UNCLOS non-parties Delegates from Chile consulting Evan Bloom, US Yedla Umasankar, India Mohammad Kurniadi Koba, Indonesia Anne Christine Brusendorff, International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Peggy Kalas, High Seas Alliance Rishy Bukoree, Mauritius L-R: Muhammad Taufan, Haryo Nugroho, and Sora Lokita, Indonesia Informal Working Group on Cross-cutting Issues Lionel Yee, Singapore Hwang Junshik, Republic of Korea Diedre Mills, Jamaica Yocasta Valenzuela, Dominican Republic Ma. Angela Ponce, the Philippines Luis Oña Garcés, Ecuador Side Event presented by Greenpeace and High Seas Alliance: A Strong Global Ocean Treaty, Javier Bardem is onboard, are you? L-R: Farah Yasmin Obaidullah, Women4Oceans; Sofia Tsenikli, Greenpeace International; Javier Bardem, Actor and environmental activist; Sandra Schöttner, Greenpeace Germany; and Jennifer Jacquet, New York University Javier Bardem, Actor and environmental activist Jennifer Jacquet, New York University

Highlights for Sunday, 18 August 2019 Delegates from Sudan converse as a vote on restricting the definition of acceptable destinations with regard to trade in live African elephants takes place in Committee I. Committee I Chair, Rod Hay, opened the meeting with a traditional New Zealand saying, “Behold the breath of life… to the sacred earth, greetings” and joined his colleagues in a traditional song. In stressing collaboration and supporting disparate worldviews, he reminded participants that “nature isn’t ruled by dogma” and that the human relationship with nature must inform our decisions.Committee I discussed the African Carnivores Initiative (ACI) between CITES and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) on four African carnivore species: lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog. CMS spoke in support of this joint work and highlighted the upcoming Conference of Parties in India, as well as plans for a new position to support ACI. The US noted the need for greater involvement by the Standing Committee. Zimbabwe, Mali, Togo, and others supported the creation of ACI and emphasized the importance of funding for implementation and capacity building. The Committee called on the CoP to adopt the draft decisions on the Joint CITES-CMS African Carnivores Initiative.During the discussion on African lions and how they are affected by illegal trade, Mexico and other countries highlighted that big cats in other regions are also affected by illegal trade and the trade in bones and body parts, mentioning the case of jaguars in Bolivia, Belize, Peru, and Mexico. The Committee established a working group to discuss issues related to African lions as well as big cats in other regions, chaired by Mathias Lörtscher, Switzerland.Committee I also discussed the agenda item on quotas on leopard hunting trophies. The EU favored suspending the quotas of countries that have not provided relevant information for review, pending recommendations to be made by the Animals and Standing Committees. Several African countries highlighted the difficulty of assessing leopard populations. Senegal stated that leopard hunting quotas have been out of date and that quotas should be based on scientific evidence. The Committee established a working group, chaired by the UK, to review the process for interpreting and applying quotas.Committee I also agreed to review existing guidance on non-detriment findings (NDF), identify gaps and, subject to findings, to hold an international expert workshop to NDF guidelines. A proposal by Pakistan to discuss quotas for markhor hunting trophies was withdrawn. The Committee agreed to study the identification of sturgeons and paddlefish specimens in trade.In Committee II, Chair Craig Hoover facilitated the discussion of agenda items on financial and administrative matters related to the implementation of the Convention and functioning of the Secretariat, including the relationship between CITES and other biodiversity-related Conventions. A proposal by Iraq on the language strategy for the Convention drew attention to the challenges faced by Arabic, Russian and Chinese-speaking delegates. Committee II also addressed the need for a more targeted review of the Convention’s effectiveness.CoP18 held its first vote in the afternoon, with parties in Committee I supporting amendments that would restrict the definition of “appropriate and acceptable destinations” with regard to trade in live African elephants only to areas that are in situ conservation programmes, or secure areas within the natural range of the species. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage and a summary and analysis report from CITES CoP18. Photos by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. Committee I: Species-Specific Matters Delegates in Committee I: Species Specific-Matters. Kanako Hasegawa, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) Chair Rod Hay, New Zealand, opens the session with a traditional Maori song. Ouahida Boucekkine, Algeria Kahessay Gebretinsae Asgedom, Ethiopia Patrick Omondi, Kenya Dietrich Jelden, International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) Elly Hamunyela, Namibia Nestor Waliwa, Central African Republic Shonisani "Shoni" Munzhedzi and Mpho Tjiane, South Africa Munesushe Munodawafa, Zimbabwe Warthane Puvanarajah, EU Zhanqiang Wen, China Marco Pani, Conservation Force Parties vote in support of amendments that restrict the definition of ‘appropriate and acceptable destinations’ with regard to trade in live African elephants only to areas that are in situ conservation programmes or secure areas within the natural range of the species. Members of the Secretariat discuss the vote on the dais. Delegates from the EU consult before the vote takes place. The amendment is passed as parties vote 71% in support of the proposal. Committee II: Interpretation and Implementation Matters Delegates in Committee II: Interpretation and Implementation Matters. Moustafa Fouda, Egypt Carolina Caceres, Canada Pamela Scruggs, US Øystein Størkersen, Norway Chair Craig Hoover, US Bill Clark, Israel Denis Popov, Russian Federation Jamel Tahiri, Tunisia Obaid Ali Al Shamsi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Blamah Sando Goll, Liberia Tadashi Sato, Japan Around the Venue Alejandra Goyenechea, Defenders of Wildlife, and Rebecca Regnery, Humane Society International Melanie Virtue, CMS Secretariat, speaks with delegates. Delegates review documents. Delegates speak informally between sessions.