Strengthening the legal and institutional framework of the Southeast pacific: Focus on the BBNJ package elements

The role of the regional level in addressing and strengthening the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) should not be undermined. As a complementary approach to the ongoing negotiations for an implementing agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of BBNJ under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, it can provide useful lessons learnt and best practices that can inform the global negotiation process. Focusing on the highly productive Southeast Pacific region, this article highlights the institutional and legal challenges faced by this region in the adoption and implementation of the four BBNJ elements and provides options on how to strengthen the legal and institutional framework of the Southeast Pacific to better address the conservation and sustainable use of BBNJ.