BAHAMAS IS ELECTED TO SEAT ON BUREAU OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL CONFERENCE DEALING WITH MARINE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY IN AREAS BEYOND NATIONAL JURISDICTION
6 September 2018 New York
An Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) has been convened at the United Nations (New York) to negotiate an international, legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). The international legally binding instrument is expected to address issues such as guiding approaches and principles on marine genetic resources, including questions on benefit-sharing; measures such as area-based management tools, including marine protected areas; environmental impact assessments; and capacity building and marine technology transfer.
The Bahamas was endorsed by CARICOM, to serve on the Bureau of the IGC, in one of the three seats reserved for the Group of Latin American and Caribbean (GRULAC) States. On Thursday, 6th September 2018, elections were held in the IGC which resulted in the election of The Bahamas, Mexico and Brazil as members of the Bureau. The Bahamas has been duly elected to serve on the Bureau of the IGC for its duration, 2018-2020.
Delegation for the first session of the BBNJ IGC.
L-R: Ms. Arianne Etuk, First Secretary (MFA); Ms. Sydnei Cartwright, Environmental Officer (BEST); Ambassador Sheila Carey, Permanent Representative to the UN; and Ms. Kimberley Lam, Assistant Secretary (MFA).
L-R: Ms. Arianne Etuk, First Secretary (MFA); Ms. Sydnei Cartwright, Environmental Officer (BEST); Ambassador Sheila Carey, Permanent Representative to the UN; and Ms. Kimberley Lam, Assistant Secretary (MFA).
A delegate from Cabo Verde casting her vote.
UN staff members with ballot boxes
Delegates conferring prior to the election of GRULAC IGC Bureau members.