IUCN - Ocean Governance

The Convention on Biological Diversity brings focus to the remote ocean

2012-10-19

Last week the 11th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Hyderabad, India (8-19 October) took an important step for the global ocean commons, the largest habitat for life on Earth. The 193 Parties to the Convention agreed to send key scientific information to the United Nations describing specific places of “ecological or biological significance” in the open ocean and deep sea, including the high seas and seabed Area beyond national jurisdiction.

IUCN-BfN International Seminar on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction

2011-12-06

The draft recommendations from the 4th meeting of the UN Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group to study issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction (BBNJ) have indicated the need to explore the existing gaps in the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, as well as possible ways forward.

Multiple ocean stresses threaten “globally significant” marine extinction

2011-06-20

An international panel of experts warns in a report released today that marine species are at risk of entering a phase of extinction unprecedented in human history.

Breakthrough at the United Nations: hopes grow for the high seas

2011-06-08

Today, World Oceans Day, IUCN is celebrating a major breakthrough in global efforts to conserve the high seas.

Reversing the fate of the oceans

2010-11-30

IUCN's High Seas Policy Advisor, Kristina Gjerde, studies the law of the high seas - the 64% of our ocean that lies beyond national legislation. She recently gave a TED Talk presentation outlining some of the problems facing the open oceans and what can be done about them. Stunning photos show the hidden worlds that Gjerde and other lawyers are working to protect from trawling and trash-dumping, through smart policy making and a healthy dose of PR.

IUCN joins "I am the ocean" campaign

2010-09-28

IUCN is part of the Mission Blue “I am the Ocean” global campaign calling for action to protect the oceans and restore the health and productivity of this vital natural resource.

IUCN unites its polar and marine work under one Programme

2010-09-10

IUCN is proud to announce the extension of its Global Marine Program into the Global Marine and Polar Program.

United Nations addresses capacity-building in ocean affairs and the law of the sea, including marine science

2010-07-01

Capacity building in ocean affairs and the law of the sea, including marine science, was the key topic at UNICPOLOS 11, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 21 – 25 June 2010.

A fresh look at improving ocean governance - new study

2010-06-10

A new study discussing governance options to improve the conservation and management of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction was developed by four students in a partnership between the John Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Antarctica and climate change

2010-04-13

Previous to the Antarctic Treaty Meeting of Experts scheduled for the 6–9th of April 2010 in Svolvær, Norway (link), the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) released the results of two studies on the impact of climate change on species.

Pêche Illégale: Ce que peut le droit européen

2010-03-05

La pêche illicite, non déclarée et non réglementée (pêche INN) est reconnue par l’ensemble des parties prenantes
(pêcheurs, administrations, ONG), comme l’ennemi numéro un de la pêche durable. Certains avancent même, bien que cela soit sujet à discussion, que sans pêche INN, la pêche serait durable !

Nine U.S. Senators Endorse Marine Conservation Solutions to Climate Change

2010-03-02

An international coalition today, thanked the nine U.S. Senators who sponsored the Clean Energy Partnerships Act for advancing marine conservation as part of the solution to climate change. The Act is focused on mitigating climate change and making the transition to a clean energy economy, through offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.

21st century explorers return with unique data from Indian Ocean

2009-12-18

A team of the world’s leading marine experts, paired with scientists from the Indian Ocean region, have just returned from a six-week research expedition above seamounts in the high seas of the Indian Ocean with a whole new understanding of seamount ecosystems. They gathered a very rich collection of data and specimens, including some strange-looking marine creatures.

General Assembly Commits to Strengthened Framework for Oceans

2009-12-09

Following an extensive day-long debate on oceans and the law of the sea, the United Nations General Assembly adopted two wide-ranging resolutions last week to help to guide States in preserving ocean health including the protection of threatened fish stocks and marine habitats around the world.

The next 50 years in Antarctica

2009-12-08

1 December 2009 marked the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in Washington DC. To acknowledge this milestone, experts in the field of international governance attended the Antarctic Treaty Summit: Science-Policy Interactions in International Governance symposium, hosted at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History.

2.3 million Euro for mangrove management for climate change and livelihood in the Pacific

2009-12-08

IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, signed a Euro 2.3 million (or US$3.4 million) Pacific Mangrove Initiative project with the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), on Monday December 7th.

Mysteries of deep-water life in the Indian Ocean to be revealed

2009-11-12

A new project led by IUCN will unveil the mysteries of southern Indian Ocean seamounts and help improve conservation and management of resources.

Don’t shun the ocean – IUCN tells climate leaders

2009-11-10

Failure to recognize the ocean in climate change discussions will have profound consequences for humanity, according to IUCN.

Sylvia Earle and IUCN Invite World Leaders to Celebrate and Extend Ocean Protection

2009-10-05

Today legendary underwater explorer and ocean ambassador Sylvia Earle teamed up with IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas in a historic move to send individual letters to 106 world leaders inviting them to join Sylvia in her wish to better protect the world’s oceans.

IUCN welcomes ECOMAR as a new partner to the Seamounts Project

2009-10-02

The Marine Ecology Laboratory of the University of Reunion (ECOMAR) has formally become a partner of the “UNDP/GEF Seamounts Project” led by IUCN, providing additional expertise and knowledge on seabirds ecology in the open ocean and areas of potential interest for future marine protected areas.