Ocean Voices attended the ‘Scientific Knowledge Across Jurisdictions’ third and final cross-disciplinary workshop. To create and finalise a just BBNJ, we need to go beyond UNCLOS and think about equity Júlia Schütz Veiga Last month, Ocean Voices attended the ‘Scientific Knowledge Across Jurisdictions’ (SKAJ) third and final cross-disciplinary workshop. The two-day workshop was supported by the Royal Society of Edinburgh and explored research and ideas which can transform approaches to stewarding marine resources for equitable global governance. Ocean Voices Visiting Fellow and PhD Candidate at NOVA School of Law, Júlia Schütz Veiga, presented her research about the transfer of marine technology to advance global equity through the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty. Veiga spoke about her experience as an advisor and delegate for the Brazilian delegation at the last BBNJ negotiations in August 2022. She explained that “science and global affairs have been framed by the Global North” and to safeguard present and future human rights and the environment, BBNJ needs to include meaningful, multidirectional engagement that transcends geopolitical borders to uphold common values. Veiga explained that activities in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction should not carry individual ownership, but should aim to contribute to a global fund that can be used for nature and future generations. Júlia Schütz Veiga (middle) presenting her research during the SKAJ workshop. When opening the floor for discussion, participants stressed the importance of co-creation and partnerships which equitably involve both the Global South and the Global North. The need to decolonise the language used during negotiations such as BBNJ was also brought up. For example, one participant suggested ‘technology transfer’ can be transformed to ‘technology co-development’ to promote an equal relationship amongst all parties. Throughout the two-day workshop, participants shared their expertise on an array of topics; from the European Union’s approach to collaborative science, to using art to support ocean knowledge co-development for multilateral policy, to learning about different forms of knowledge within coastal communities. Despite tackling a variety of topics, it became evident that some themes crossed different disciplines. Perhaps, the most prominent theme was the need to re-establish trust within and between people and governments. When discussing how this can be achieved, participants vocalised the need to make multilateral negotiations more inclusive. Participative governance was also highlighted throughout the workshop as a potential tool to facilitate negotiations which harbour trust and equity. Marine technology transfer is a cross-cutting and indispensable element for implementing BBNJ. More than creating high standard norms for conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, we need to help developing states implement such legislation, observing their duties and enjoying their rights. Júlia Schütz Veiga --- To learn more about Júlia’s research, follow her on LinkedIn or send her an email on julia.schutz@gmail.com Stay up to-date with Ocean Voices by following us on Twitter. We are always open to hearing from new voices. If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, send us an email on gail.sant@ed.ac.uk Speakers and participants of the RSE SKAJ cross-disciplinary workshop. Image credit: Prof Michela Massimi Follow Ocean Voices on Twitter This article was published on 2022-11-30
