The extended continental shelf in the BBNJ negotiations

What is it about?

This article explores the difficulty in reconciling the extended, or outer, continental shelf regime with a new instrument for BBNJ (biological diversity beyond national jurisdiction). It looks at the impact of the continental shelf regime on a possible new agreement in relation to marine genetic resources, area based management and environmental impact assessment.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Coastal states want to ensure that their rights to the continental shelf are protected under the new ILBI for BBNJ. However, it is not clear how the new agreement will intersect with their rights. This article makes suggestions for how the new ILBI could be structured to clarify the rights in relation to the continental shelf.