Partners advance BBNJ implementation efforts ahead of PrepCom3
Ahead of the 3rd BBNJ Preparatory Commission (PrepCom3) which will run from 23 March to 2 April 2026, our partners from the University of Aberdeen (UNIABDN) and 3BIO/ABS Internatioanl (ABSint) have participated in a couple of BBNJ-focused events in the last few weeks:
3rd BBNJ Symposium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
From 10-12 March, the 3rd BBNJ Symposium was held in Rio de Janeiro, with hybrid participation enabling global engagement. Marcel Jaspars from UNIABDN delivered a presentation on the Science-Policy Interface, contributing to discussions that brought together scientists, policymakers, practitioners, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), civil society, and other stakeholders. Amelia Westmoreland from 3BIO/ABSint also attended the conference, further strengthening the project’s engagement in the dialogue. The event provided a platform to explore how scientific knowledge can inform effective implementation and governance of the BBNJ Agreement.
BBNJ Podcast Mini-Series:
A new podcast mini-series has been launched by the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), with support from the EU-funded project BlueRemediomics, under the podcast Negotiating the Oceans. With the participation of Marcel Jaspars, Abbe Brown, Thomas Vanagt and Amelia Westmoreland, the four episodes delve into the treaty’s provisions on Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) and examine the practical challenges of implementation. By bringing together legal, scientific, and policy perspectives, the series helps to connect foundational treaty principles with real-time developments in international negotiations.
- Episode 1: Setting Sail: Negotiating the Treaty
- Episode 2: ‘The Ship has Reached the Shore’: Sharing Ocean Heritage & Wealth
- Episode 3: Anchoring the Framework: Interaction between Treaty Systems
- Episode 4: Navigating the Voyage Ahead: Treaty Implementation
Looking Ahead to PrepCom3
During the upcoming session in New York; State, intergovernmental organisations, and other stakeholders will continue essential discussions to operationalise the BBNJ Agreement. The work undertaken will help lay the groundwork for this important event and support the transition from negotiation to implementation.