From Science to Action: Realising Knowledge-Based Governance for BBNJ

*Please note that I am submitting the following abstract for IOC session 2 (Connecting ocean science to global biodiversity goals: observations, data and knowledge to support GBF and BBNJ implementation)

 

The use of the best available science and knowledge to inform decision-making is touted as a cornerstone of effective ocean governance, yet realising this in practice remains a significant challenge. As such, the new agreement pertaining to the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (the BBNJ Agreement) offers a new opportunity to enhance and advance science-policy-society interfaces in international ocean governance processes. However, realising this opportunity necessitates proactive consideration of what science and knowledge will be required under the BBNJ Agreement, how it can be best translated into action, and what barriers or challenges might frustrate this in practice.

This presentation will explore the diverse scientific information and knowledge that will be required across the four pillars of the Agreement – marine genetic resources, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and capacity building and transfer of marine technology – and will showcase the range of available mechanisms and modalities to support the generation, collation, and integration of BBNJ-relevant knowledge. Drawing on research exploring existing science-policy-society interfaces, as well as lessons learned from engaging with deep-ocean scientific networks and capacity development initiatives, this talk will emphasise the need for a comprehensive and cross-cutting approach to enable inclusive, knowledge-driven governance of BBNJ. From international cooperation in deep-ocean research, to apt institutional arrangements such as a fit-for-purpose Scientific and Technical Body, it will map pathways for knowledge exchange and uptake and highlight key considerations for implementation. These findings are particularly relevant to the BBNJ Agreement as it moves towards entry into force, but also offer wider insights into approaches that ensure that the best available science and knowledge serves as a tool for both ocean sustainability and ocean equity.