Strengthening governance frameworks for conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction: Southern hemisphere perspectives

The southern hemisphere is dominated by oceanic influences with 80% of its surface area consisting of ocean space. It hosts abundant marine biodiversity, which is under increasing pressure from activities such as fisheries and shipping as well as multiple sources of marine pollution and climate change impacts. The process initiated by the UN General Assembly Resolution 69/292 to develop the elements of an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) for conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction has the potential to contribute to a more integrated and cross-sectoral system of oceans governance at a global and regional scale. This article examines key features of the existing global and regional ocean governance framework in the southern hemisphere and how the anticipated ILBI might relate to existing ocean governance frameworks.