Approaching the implementing agreement to UNCLOS on biodiversity in ABNJ: Exploring favorable outcomes for CARICOM.

Abstract Establishment of an international legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ agreement) promises to be one of the most significant developments in UNCLOS for over 20 years. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been actively engaged in the negotiations to craft this agreement. As these negotiations enter the critical stage of an Intergovernmental Conference, this paper examines what CARICOM should be seeking out of a BBNJ Agreement. It does this cognizant of the ongoing discussions taking place between other countries, stakeholders and negotiating groups. Within this context it offers clarity on positions CARICOM could adopt to achieve the objectives proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]