Marine Genetic Resources Beyond National Jurisdiction

Marine environments are rich in phylogenetic and genomic diversity, making them crucial for biotechnological advancements. This diversity includes 34 of the 36 major animal groups and an extensive array of microbes and a prokaryote gene richness estimated to be greater than the rest of the biosphere. Marine organisms, especially those residing in extreme environments such as deep-sea ecosystems, exhibit unique genetic and biochemical adaptations, allowing them to thrive under harsh conditions. These adaptations not only captivate scientific interest for insights into life's origins and deep-sea biodiversity but also hold commercial potential for pharmaceuticals, food, and renewable resources industries. However, the deep-sea remains one of Earth's least understood ecosystems, presenting a largely untapped reservoir for novel species and bioactive compounds.





This Research Topic aims to scrutinize the legal framework governing the access and benefit-sharing of Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) found in areas beyond national jurisdiction, particularly the new provisions of the BBNJ Agreement. It seeks to provide a comprehensive examination of Part II of the BBNJ Agreement, assess its interplay with existing ocean governance regimes, and discuss the necessary actions for State Parties to effectively implement and comply with these international obligations. Additionally, the topic will explore lingering uncertainties that need resolution in future negotiations and policymaking processes linked to the BBNJ Agreement.







This Topic covers a broad spectrum of related issues and invites contributions that include but are not limited to:

- General Overview of the BBNJ Agreement, with emphasis on Part II

- Future challenges and resolutions anticipated in the Preparatory Commission and the Conference of the Parties to the BBNJ Agreement

- Dynamics of the Clearing-House Mechanism within the BBNJ framework

- Monetary and non-monetary benefit-sharing complexities

Interaction between the BBNJ Agreement, global fisheries, and other international institutions, frameworks and bodies

- Scientific, technological, and intellectual property considerations under the BBNJ Agreement

- Recognition of and interaction with traditional knowledge and indigenous voices



We encourage the submission of articles that delve into these themes, fostering a deeper understanding of the legal, ecological, and socioeconomic dimensions of marine biodiversity conservation.