Deep sea coral gardens
Photo: André Freiwald
The international community has recognized that there are regulatory and governance gaps in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), and in 2016 opened negotiations for a new international legally binding agreement. In parallel, some regional organisations have progressively extended their activities into ABNJ, particularly through the development of area-based management tools. In the Western Indian Ocean however, there is currently no regionally-harmonized strategy for the governance of ABNJ.
The FFEM-SWIO project aims at improving the governance framework for the management of ABNJ in this region, with a specific focus on the South West Indian Ocean and on specific ecosystems such as seamounts. Through an assessment of the regional initiatives and discussions with key regional stakeholders, this project will highlight possible ways for the WIO region to engage in the governance of ABNJ, particularly through area-based management tool.
FFEM-SWIO Road Map - Governance
WORKING PAPER N°06/15 SEPTEMBER 2015 I OCEANS AND COASTAL ZONES
Developing area-based management tools in areas beyond national jurisdiction: possible options for the Western Indian Ocean. Julien Rochette, Glen Wright (IDDRI)
