Introduction to the Symposium on Governing High Seas Biodiversity

Abstract

Ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction are a global commons with many intersecting regional and sectoral interests, presenting complex governance challenges akin to those implicated by outer space, Antarctica, and cyberspace. The international community’s legal interest in such commons resources differs from traditionally defined sovereign legal interests, leading to a need for innovation. Among other things, thoughtful consideration of institutional form is required to facilitate cooperation, coordination, and capacity on a global scale. This symposium, offered in honor of David D. Caron, explores this challenge of institutional design through the lens of an emerging international treaty to govern marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (a topic referred to as “BBNJ”).

Keywords: BBNJ, Law of the Sea, global governance, biodiversity