Delegates discuss MGRs, governance and regulatory gaps
The Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group of the General Assembly to study issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction (the Working Group) convened for its third day on Wednesday 30 April, at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York.
In the morning, the Working Group addressed issues identified in General Assembly resolution 61/222. During the exchange of views on marine genetic resources (MGRs) widely divergent perspectives were voiced, with some delegates determined that MGRs were the common heritage of all humankind, and others contesting this notion. Many delegates proposed focusing on advancing areas of agreement.
During the afternoon, delegates exchanged views on the existence of a governance or regulatory gap and how this might be addressed.
Above: G-77/China delegates at a coordination during a break.