There is one big advantage to setting up new multilateral environmental agreements at this point in time: it offers the opportunity to build on lessons learned from the implementation of other agreements and from coping with extraordinary circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These insights not only informed the preparation of background documents for the first session of the Preparatory Commission for the new Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), but also delegates’ preference on issues such as the frequency and location of meetings of the Conference of the Parties (COP).
In the morning, delegates shared their perspective on whether the COP should convene at the seat of the Agreement’s secretariat, at UN Headquarters in New York, or elsewhere, with locations possibly rotating. Should the COP meet in New York, countries could decide to send staff from their diplomatic missions, which would cut down on participation costs. Costs associated with meetings at the seat of the secretariat will largely depend on the host country, which is yet to be defined. Those who support the possibility for the COP convening elsewhere underscored that these rotational meetings could help raise awareness and foster inclusivity.
Convergence emerged on the value of annual COP meetings to kick-start the implementation of the Agreement. While many expressed openness to moving to a biennial rhythm at some point, delegates debated whether and how to delineate this. Some supported a “sunset clause,” specifying that the transition should take place after a defined number of years, in the three- to five-year range. Others preferred for the COP to decide on the timing of this transition.
Delegates agreed that COP meetings should take place in person, with virtual or hybrid meetings limited to extraordinary circumstances. However, the African Group, Switzerland, and Pacific small island developing states (SIDS) emphasized that meetings should be webcast to offer an opportunity to follow debates online, in particular for non-state stakeholders. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) shared insights on the CBD’s experience with meeting locations, frequency, and virtual engagement.
In the afternoon, delegates exchanged views on the rules of procedure, modalities, and membership of the Scientific and Technical Body (STB). The Caribbean Community pointed to the Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority as a model, and suggested the STB have 27 members in the initial phase, with five seats per region, one seat for SIDS, and one seat for a representative with traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Several delegations highlighted the STB should be able to form subcommittees or working groups, with China suggesting one focused on area-based management tools and another on environmental impact assessments.
On Thursday, delegates are expected to turn their attention to the financial rules governing the Agreement, as well as the funding modalities for implementation.
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All ENB photos are free to use with attribution. For this meeting, please use: Photo by IISD/ENB.