The project started with an extensive literature review and analysis of the relevant legal framework for the governance of MRE technologies and the protection of environment related to their development in ABNJ. This included a thorough analysis of the main global and regional instruments including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Convention on Biological Diversity, OSPAR and Barcelona Convention or the then expected Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, which was ultimately finalised on 4 March 2023. The analysis of relevant jurisprudence was also considered. This research verified and further contributed to explaining the two initial hypotheses regarding the key governing and regulatory challenges related to security and biodiversity associated with the deployment of MRE technologies in ABNJ.
Specific attention was paid to the BBNJ negotiations and the expected treaty. The analysis of the drafts of the BBNJ treaty identified that the regulation of area-based management tools, including marine protected areas, and the environmental impact assessment (EIA) under this treaty can potentially strengthen the regulatory and governing framework for MRE technologies in ABNJ and provide solutions to the identified challenges. An extensive analysis of the EIA under the BBNJ agreement was also performed.
The project has also explored the role of the main global energy agencies in providing a forum to regulate MRE technologies and the protection of the environment with respect their development in ABNJ.
Based on the analysis of existing models of governance in ABNJ and the results of the analysis conducted in previous stages of the project, several suggestions were provided to advance and strengthen marine conservation as it relates to MRE governance in ABNJ. This includes an initial exploration of three regulatory alternatives and forms of governance that could provide an effective way to give solutions to the identified problems. It has also provided various policy recommendations to be considered during the BBNJ negotiations and/or after the conclusion of the agreement.
The results of the project have been disseminated through open access articles in international peer-reviewed journals such as the Cambridge International Law Journal, book chapters, presentations in international conferences, publications in media journals, a radio interview and various invited lectures.
