Suggestion 2: Expand mandate of ISA to serve as basis of institutional structure

 

 

Expand mandate of the ISA and its constituent bodies so that

• the Assembly of the ISA acts as decision-making body for this agreement
• The ISA Legal and Technical Commission is expanded, or a parallel body established, to provide advisory functions to the decision-making body
• The ISA Secretariat serves as Secretariat for this agreement.

 

This would normally imply the amendment of the UNCLOS under article 312.

 

 

References/Examples:

UNCLOS Part XI. Section 4. The Authority

UNCLOS Art 312 (Amendment)

Agreement relating to the implementation of Part XI of UNCLOS Annex Sections 1 and 4

Suggestion 3: Develop institutional structure based on Antarctic Treaty model and DOALOS

 

 

As under the Antarctic Treaty, the Parties of the I.A. could meet in a forum to exchange information, consult on matters of common interest and formulate recommendations addressing the I.A key elements (conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in ABNJ).

 

As under the Madrid Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty, a Committee for Environmental Protection could be established to provide advice and formulate recommendations for the Consultative Meeting.

 

The UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) could serve as Secretariat of the Agreement.

 

 

References/Examples:

Antarctic Treaty Art IX

Madrid Protocol Art 10, 11, 12

DOALOS, Secretary-General's Bulletin ST/SGB/2008/13