A network of high seas marine protected areas to secure long-term future of oceans

Mr Florian Botto, Third Secretary at Monaco’s Permanent Representation to the United Nations © DR

A Monegasque delegation is participating until 9 September in the second session of the Preparatory Committee on developing an international instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea regarding the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

During the negotiations, Monaco and Costa Rica joined forces to propose a universal framework enabling the establishment of new marine protected areas on the high seas. These offer the best way to ensure the conservation of biodiversity.

At an event organised by the Pew Charitable Trusts, Mr Florian Botto, Third Secretary at Monaco’s Representation to the United Nations, was invited to give a detailed presentation on the elements of this framework aimed at designating, adopting and implementing new protected areas on the high seas.

During both the negotiations and the Pew event, these proposals received a favourable welcome from all of the delegations present.