Download International Ocean Institute

International Ocean Institute
January 2015 IOIHQ/ES 01/15
The INTERNATIONAL OCEAN INSTITUTE
IOInforma 0115
Contents
 The 10th Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic
and Caspian Seas 2014 was successfully held in Malta: REPORT
 Special Seminar on “Issues of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)” held in Malta, 1st December
2014, and organised by the International Ocean Institute with the support and collaboration of the
European Commission Representation in Malta, as part of the IOI Training Programme on Regional Ocean
Governance: REPORT
 Delegation from Qingdao visits the IOI to discuss joint efforts on Capacity Building in Ocean
Governance; REPORT
 Ocean Yearbook Call for Papers – Volume 30
 Annex: Message from the class of 2014 of the 10th Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for
the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and Caspian Seas: “A generation’s view on the conservation and
management of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)"
The 10th Training Programme on
Regional Ocean Governance for the
Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and Caspian Seas 2014
Malta 10th November – 12th December 2014
organised by the: International Ocean Institute HQ and the IOI-Malta Operational Centre
Above: Class of 2014, course director (Dr Awni Behnam, centre), faculty, and guests.
The 5-week Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and
Caspian Seas held in Malta in November-December 2014 was especially memorable as it was the tenth
offering of this training programme, organised annually since 2005.
IOInforma is the news and information bulletin of the International Ocean Institute (IOI). Any
feedback or request for information should be sent to the International Ocean Institute HQ
Malta, PO Box 3, Msida MSD2080, Malta or Email: [email protected]
www.ioinst.org
International Ocean Institute
January 2015
p2
17 participants from 12 countries around the regional seas attended
the 2014 training programme – Egypt, Tunisia, Albania,
Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Romania, Ukraine, Germany and
Malta, as well as observers from PR China and Chile – having
different experiences and backgrounds in marine-related
management, law, science, operational and policy undertakings. The
faculty was composed of a diverse panel of experts in topical
matters, coming from leading institutions and organisations working
on regional seas issues from countries around the areas under study.
As well as traditional lectures, the course programme included field
trips and a number of hands-on projects where the participants
were expected to apply their knowledge to specific scenarios.
Simulation sessions, role-playing games and scenario planning and
mock-ministerial meetings all allowed the class to use their new
knowledge and experience the multidisciplinary approach to
decision making in marine and maritime matters.
Since the training curriculum focuses specifically on the governance
of the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and Caspian Seas through interregional and international comparisons and experiences, the
promotion of exchanges between participants from countries
surrounding these seas, from extra regional observers and the
interaction with the faculty and invited experts with their diversity of
experiences and realities is considered to be especially important
and one of the assets of this programme.
Building upon on this, the essence of the course remains the
Regional Ocean Policy Frameworks Session for the Mediterranean,
Black, Caspian and Baltic Sea groups, this exercise is the culmination
of the course training and encourages and tests the practical
application of knowledge gained throughout the course in the
theoretical solution of relevant issues of the Regional Seas for the
formulation of national, regional and inter-regional policy addressed
towards an integrated and common approach to the ocean
management.
Another key event held during the training course was the one day
Special Seminar on “Issues of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction
(ABNJ)” that was organised by the International Ocean Institute with
the support and collaboration of the European Commission
Representation in Malta. During this seminar issues related to these
areas were presented by eminent experts in the field and were
followed by discussion and interactions from the programme
participants and selected guests.
Above, from top: 2014 Training Programme
opening day; Part of the class on a field
trip; the final policy session with the
Caspian Sea Group and supporting faculty
expert Dr Aref Fakhry and regional sea
mentor Dr Parvin Farshchi; the class at their
visit to IMLI (IMO International Maritime
Law Institute at the University of Malta,
Msida campus); and the group during their
visit to the AFM Maritime Squadron base in
Malta. All photos in the report courtesy of
the Class and Secretariat of 2014.
Since 1972, issues of sound and sustainable practices contributing to ocean governance are a major focus of IOI’s work in
all areas from policy direction to capacity building and it is in this spirit that the IOI training and capacity building
programmes in Canada, Malta, South Africa, Turkmenistan and China are organised and offered.
IOInforma is the news and information bulletin of the International Ocean
Institute (IOI). Any feedback or request for information should
be sent to the International Ocean Institute HQ Malta, PO Box
3, Msida MSD2080, Malta or Email: [email protected]
www.ioinst.org
International Ocean Institute
January 2015
p3
Special Seminar on
“Issues of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)”
organised by the
International Ocean Institute
with the support and collaboration of the
European Commission Representation in Malta
th
During the 10 Training Programme on
Regional Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and Caspian Seas
st
1 December 2014, Valletta, Malta
The Seminar on “Issues of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)” was
organised as part of the annual seminars series offered by the
International Ocean Institute HQ in Malta and was held in parallel with
and during the 10th Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance
for the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and Caspian Seas. The seminar was
organised by the IOI and supported by the European Commission through
its representation office in Valletta; it was held at Europe House in
Valletta.
During the Seminar issues and current developments related to these
areas were presented by eminent experts in the field. The presentations
were followed by discussion and interaction from the speakers and guests
and the three sessions were moderated by invited panellists.
The seminar was launched with a brief welcome and introduction by Dr
Awni Behnam, Honorary President of the IOI and also Director of the
training course. He emphasised the increasing global importance of Areas
Beyond National Jurisdiction as one of the most critical challenges to
ocean governance, especially in view of the protection of ocean
biodiversity, and wider ramifications; the discussion of these issues was
also timely because of the current important and ongoing process in the
United Nations to address them. He referred to the courageous stand of
the European Union in the preparatory process and at Rio+20 when the EU
joined the majority of nations, particularly the G77 and China, in
supporting and advocating the need for an implementation agreement
under UNCLOS. On behalf of the IOI, he also acknowledged with thanks
the support of Ms Spiteri, Acting Head of the European Commission
Representation in Malta.
From Top, L-R in each image: Panel 1, J
Brincat, D Spiteri, A Behnam and A
Hicuburundi; Panel 2: S Borg, M Ortiz
Noguera and D Johnson; Panel 3: G
Wright, A Caruana and L Briguglio; Wrapup Session: D Spiteri, A Behnam and A
Vassallo. Photos courtesy R Tarasova.
The event was addressed by invited experts from various international
institutions who presented the current status of debate and issues of
ABNJ. Presentations given covered: “Progress in the Discussions at the
United Nations related to Marine Biological Diversity in ABNJ“ by Alice
Hicuburundi (Senior Legal Officer at the Office Of Legal Affairs; Division For
Ocean Affairs And The Law Of The Sea – New York); “The EU and its work
on issues in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction; with special reference to
IOInforma is the news and information bulletin of the International Ocean
Institute (IOI). Any feedback or request for information should
be sent to the International Ocean Institute HQ Malta, PO Box
3, Msida MSD2080, Malta or Email: [email protected]
www.ioinst.org
International Ocean Institute
January 2015
p4
the DG Mare” by John Brincat (International Relations Officer, European Commission DG Maritime Affairs and
Fisheries); “Protecting the Marine Environment In Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction: a brief look at the legal
framework for conservation and management of biodiversity in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction”
by Maria José Ortiz Noguera (Legal Consultant); “MPAs in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction – case study: the
experience of OSPAR countries in the Wider Atlantic; the Charlie Gibbs Fracture Zone” by David Johnson (Former
Executive Secretary to the OSPAR Commission); “Small Island States and the challenges faced” by Lino Briguglio
(Director, Institute for Islands and Small States, University of Malta) and “Discussions towards an implementing
agreement to UNCLOS on biodiversity in ABNJ” by Glen Wright (Institut du Développement Durable et des
Relations internationals – IDDRI- Paris).
Presentations were followed by a lively discussion from the audience which was moderated by expert panellists
Dr Awni Behnam, Prof Simone Borg and Dr Albert Caruana. The students of the IOI training programme formed
part of the audience as did the students following the MA degree on Ocean Governance; the event was also
open to the interested public.
The seminar was concluded with a message from the class of 2014 of the 10 th Training Programme on Regional
Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and Caspian Seas presented on their behalf by alumnus
Lydia Koehler. The message entitled “A generation’s view on the conservation and management of Areas
Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)" expressed the views and vision in relation to the issues on ABNJ and will be
presented to the decision making levels in the UN and EU. The paper is included in its entirety as an appendix to
this IOInforma.
Delegation from Qingdao visits the IOI
to discuss joint efforts on
Capacity Building in Ocean Governance
th
th
10 – 12 December 2014, IOIHQ, Malta
L-R: Ms He Lian, Dr Awni Behnam, Dr Lu Haifeng and Antonella Vassallo at IOI HQ
Dr Lu Haifeng, President and General Secretary of the Global Forum on Human Settlements and Ms He Lian,
Senior Manager and Assistant General of the Global Forum on Human Settlements visited Malta to hold
meetings with the IOI and the University of Malta regarding capacity building in Ocean Governance.
IOInforma is the news and information bulletin of the International Ocean
Institute (IOI). Any feedback or request for information should
be sent to the International Ocean Institute HQ Malta, PO Box
3, Msida MSD2080, Malta or Email: [email protected]
www.ioinst.org
International Ocean Institute
Term of o
January 2015
p5
A very cordial and productive meeting was held between the delegation, Rector Juanito Camilleri and ProRector Alfred Vella of the University of Malta, and Dr Awni Behnam and Antonella Vassallo from the part of the
IOI, to discuss the organisation and provision of joint training and capacity building especially in respect of the
MA Degree in Ocean Governance offered by the University of Malta in collaboration with the IOI
(http://www.um.edu.mt/icp/ocean-governance). Other matters included potential cooperation on the
proposed International Institute for Ocean and Coastal City, in Qindao, PR China. As part of the visit, the
delegation also observed a lecture delivered to the current student cohort of the MAOG at the Valletta Campus
of the University of Malta. The lecture on Shipping and the role of UNCTAD in the Governance of Maritime
Transport was delivered by Dr Mahindokt Faghfouri for the IOI led Module ERL5003 “The Contemporary
Definition of Ocean Governance”. Dr Lu Haifeng and Ms He Lian were both guests of the IOI at the Graduation
Ceremony of the 10th Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic
and Caspian Seas.
Ocean Yearbook Call for Papers
Volume 30
Ocean Yearbook Student Prize 2015
Ocean Yearbook Call for Papers – Volume 30
Articles on issues and prospects, ocean governance, living resources of the ocean, non-living ocean resources,
transportation and communications, environment and coastal management, maritime security, military
activities, regional developments, training and education and ocean polar issues will be considered. The
objectives of the Ocean Yearbook include encouraging emerging young scholars and fostering contributions
from developing countries.
Deadline March 31, 2015.
http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/law/MELAW/Ocean%20Yearbook/OYB%20Call%20%20Volume%2030.pdf
Ocean Yearbook Student Prize 2015
The Ocean Yearbook Student Prize is an annual competition open to students writing research papers on
marine affairs subjects at any university or other tertiary education institution.
Deadline May 15, 2015.
http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/law/MELAW/Ocean%20Yearbook/Student%20Prize%202015.pdf
Mailing Address:
Ocean Yearbook Editorial Office
Schulich School of Law
Dalhousie University
6061 University Ave
P.O. Box 15000
Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2
CANADA
Tel: +1 902 494-1988
Fax: +1 902 494-1316
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.dal.ca/faculty/law/melaw/journals-publications/ocean-yearbook.html
IOInforma is the news and information bulletin of the International Ocean
Institute (IOI). Any feedback or request for information should
be sent to the International Ocean Institute HQ Malta, PO Box
3, Msida MSD2080, Malta or Email: [email protected]
www.ioinst.org
International Ocean Institute
Term of o
January 2015
p6
Annex: Message from the class of 2014
“A generation’s view on the conservation and management of Areas Beyond
National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)"
IOI Special Seminar on “Issues of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)”
We, the class of 2014 of the 10th Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for the Baltic, Black, Caspian and
Mediterranean Seas of the International Ocean Institute, representing 12 countries from 4 continents,
Considering that human behaviour over the past century has led to polluted, overexploited and overheated oceans, ongoing loss of diversity and degrading stability of marine ecosystems;
Taking into account that the majority of States have agreed on the need to cooperate on the protection of the marine
environment and on the need to make real commitments, including steps to take concrete actions to preserve the different
species that are being irrationally exploited for private benefits;
Recognizing that the current situation of exploiting resources until they are depleted and gone forever implies a failure of
the duties contained in Part XII of UNCLOS (Protection and Preservation of the Marine Environment) and thus this situation
cannot longer be accepted, tolerated or overlooked by any State; and
Being aware that steps in the right direction have been taken in the past at both the International (Convention on Biological
Diversity, Rio +20) and Regional (OSPAR) levels, showing that cooperation is possible and that all is not lost,
Would like to present the following statement:
1. We consider a binding implementation agreement under UNCLOS as the right approach to bring actions forward. This
agreement needs to address the challenges and developments that were not foreseen by UNCLOS, and must be
concluded now. If we fail to protect our oceans and life in it, we fail to protect ourselves.
2. We highlight that a new implementation agreement shall not be understood as an interference with regional
approaches; on the contrary, we believe that it is necessary to support and strengthen these regional efforts to
conserve marine resources and species diversity, in a context of international collaboration.
3. We do not agree to exclude fish stocks and fishery management from the concept of biodiversity conservation as
these are deeply interconnected and contribute to the health of marine ecosystems. Therefore, we request to
strengthen regulations in the new agreement against unsustainable, unselective, and destructive fishing methods,
such as deep sea trawling, that threaten biodiversity and cause irreversible impacts on marine habitats. If we want to
achieve a sustainable use of the oceans such fishing methods should no longer be in practice.
4. The use of marine genetic resources should be for the benefit of all mankind and their extraction must be regulated
by an international authority with sufficient powers. These resources are not yet exploited and there is an
international responsibility to prevent them from becoming another example of the Tragedy of the Commons.
5. The conservation of particular vulnerable marine ecosystems such as deep sea hydrothermal vents, seamounts, cold
water corals and other important habitats should be of major concern to the United Nations. These biodiversity
hotspots provide a fundamental basis for all marine life and shall be granted the highest level of protection and
priority in the creation and enforcement of new marine protected areas.
6. We, as members of the “future generation” mentioned in the Brundtland Report, perceive that sustainable
development is still not implemented, compromising not only our possibilities of welfare but also stealing this chance
from our children. Today we know that marine resources are limited and under great pressure, so we consider that it
is absolutely necessary to start acting based on this knowledge and not under political considerations.
The question should not be whether to agree or not on common efforts, but rather how can we make this implementation
agreement a success story. It’s time to change human relation with our oceans and move from a purely economic interest
to safeguarding its future functionality. Our future as a species depends on it.
IOInforma is the news and information bulletin of the International Ocean
Institute (IOI). Any feedback or request for information should
be sent to the International Ocean Institute HQ Malta, PO Box
3, Msida MSD2080, Malta or Email: [email protected]
www.ioinst.org