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Developing Blue Climate Solutions through High Seas Governance Networks

Thu, August 31, 10:00 to 11:30am PDT (10:00 to 11:30am PDT), LACC, West Hall B Room 11

Abstract

Blue carbon is a vital element of the global climate system and international climate change policies increasingly integrate ocean and climate agenda. High seas marine protected areas (MPAs) are designed as ecosystem-based policy tools in areas beyond national jurisdiction and as a mechanism to conserve blue carbon. This study analyzes policy-making process in six regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) that hold the mandate to designate high seas MPAs and maps out the policy networks using social networks analysis. The process of designating and implementing MPAs occurs as a product of networking between states, economic actors, environmental NGOs, and scientific actors. The data for governance network maps are drawn from the annual RFMO meeting reports from 2006 to 2017, the period from the adoption of UNGA Resolution 61/105 to the beginning of intergovernmental conference to create an international agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). The analysis reveals that, after the EU, NGOs occupy the most central positions across the six regions, allowing for transfer of knowledge and regional experiences to global level efforts. This high centrality score is particularly critical in the context of the BBNJ Agreement and the debates on ‘not undermining’ the existing institutions. Furthermore, a closer examination of their work reveals that NGO representatives, also called NGO diplomats in this study, provide scientific and technical expertise, engage in monitoring, act as pressure groups, and increase transparency of the policy process.

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