Commissioner meets international partners to discuss sustainable blue growth
Related topics
Maritime Affairsdate: 07/07/2015
In a bilateral meeting with Ms Gabriele Goettsche-Wanli, Director of the UN's Division of Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), Mr Vella expressed his appreciation for the agency's 'sterling support work' in the implementation of international agreements like the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) or the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA).
He also reaffirmed his personal commitment to progress on international ocean governance, inviting the EU's international partners to contribute to the Commission's consultation on that topic.
Biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction (BBNJ) was one of the main issues raised in this context. The international community has recently agreed to start developing a legally-binding instrument under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on BBNJ. The Commission strongly supports this agreement as a move towards enhanced international cooperation and cohesion, and as a way to address developments and challenges that have emerged since UNCLOS was adopted.
He also reaffirmed his personal commitment to progress on international ocean governance, inviting the EU's international partners to contribute to the Commission's consultation on that topic.
Biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction (BBNJ) was one of the main issues raised in this context. The international community has recently agreed to start developing a legally-binding instrument under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on BBNJ. The Commission strongly supports this agreement as a move towards enhanced international cooperation and cohesion, and as a way to address developments and challenges that have emerged since UNCLOS was adopted.