Radioactive Birds in the Bay and Dugongs in the Middle East: the new Treaty on Biodiversity in the High Seas

Abstract

In this paper I examine the new agreement, under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, on Biodiversity beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Treaty). The BBNJ Treaty establishes a legal regime for the regulation of marine genetic resources, area based management tools (marine protected areas), technology transfer and environmental impact assessments in the high seas. The BBNJ includes, as one of its core principles and aims, recognition of the importance of Indigenous knowledge. As the treaty moves from agreed draft into force (which will happen when 60 states have ratified the treaty) and thus with the first meeting of state parties likely to happen in the next two years, understanding the capacity and importance of Indigenous knowledge will be vital. I explore what it means to understand Indigenous knowledge through the lens of a single ocean, interconnected