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Discussions on Implementing the BBNJ Agreement and Strengthening Cooperation among Asia-Pacific Countries
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2026.05.27.
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Discussions on Implementing the BBNJ Agreement and Strengthening Cooperation among Asia-Pacific Countries
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Hwang Jong-woo) and the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK; President Kim Hyun-tae) announced that they would be holding an international workshop at the President Hotel in Seoul on Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29 to mark the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement.
*Official English name: 2026 Asia-Pacific Technical Workshop on BBNJ Implementation and Cooperation
Entering into force on January 17 of this year, the BBNJ Agreement is an international agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in oceans beyond national jurisdiction such as the high seas and deep seabed.
This workshop is the first to be held in the Asia-Pacific region since the BBNJ Agreement entered into force, and was organized to discuss standards and measures for the systematic implementation of the BBNJ Agreement and to strengthen mutual cooperation among countries in the Asia-Pacific region. About 60 people—including representatives from international organizations and international environmental groups, government officials and marine scientists from the Asia-Pacific region, as well as officials from domestic research institutions—are expected to participate.
On the first day, discussions will cover △ the current status of legal and institutional reforms for the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, △ measures to secure and use marine genetic resources, and △ support measures for programs to strengthen the capabilities of developing countries and transfer marine technology. Scheduled on the second day are discussions on △ establishing zone-based management measures such as international marine protected areas, and △ introducing a marine environmental impact assessment system.
“This workshop is an opportunity to discuss implementation measures proactively for the BBNJ Agreement with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. As the host country for the 4th UN Ocean Conference in 2028, Korea will play a leading role in establishing international maritime norms and laying the foundation for the effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement,” said Seo Jeong-ho, Director Minister of Marine Policy at MOF.
□ Overview
o (Purpose) To discuss standards and measures for the systematic implementation of the BBNJ Agreement among Asia-Pacific countries and to strengthen mutual cooperation
ㅇ(Date/Location) May 28-29, 2026 / President Hotel, Seoul
ㅇ(Participants) Approximately 60 people, including government officials and representatives from international organizations and environmental organizations
□ Description
o Day 1
o Day 2
- Holding an international workshop on May 28 and 29 to mark the entry into force of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement (January 17, 2026) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Hwang Jong-woo) and the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK; President Kim Hyun-tae) announced that they would be holding an international workshop at the President Hotel in Seoul on Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29 to mark the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement.
*Official English name: 2026 Asia-Pacific Technical Workshop on BBNJ Implementation and Cooperation
Entering into force on January 17 of this year, the BBNJ Agreement is an international agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in oceans beyond national jurisdiction such as the high seas and deep seabed.
This workshop is the first to be held in the Asia-Pacific region since the BBNJ Agreement entered into force, and was organized to discuss standards and measures for the systematic implementation of the BBNJ Agreement and to strengthen mutual cooperation among countries in the Asia-Pacific region. About 60 people—including representatives from international organizations and international environmental groups, government officials and marine scientists from the Asia-Pacific region, as well as officials from domestic research institutions—are expected to participate.
On the first day, discussions will cover △ the current status of legal and institutional reforms for the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, △ measures to secure and use marine genetic resources, and △ support measures for programs to strengthen the capabilities of developing countries and transfer marine technology. Scheduled on the second day are discussions on △ establishing zone-based management measures such as international marine protected areas, and △ introducing a marine environmental impact assessment system.
“This workshop is an opportunity to discuss implementation measures proactively for the BBNJ Agreement with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. As the host country for the 4th UN Ocean Conference in 2028, Korea will play a leading role in establishing international maritime norms and laying the foundation for the effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement,” said Seo Jeong-ho, Director Minister of Marine Policy at MOF.
| Inquiry | Director General of Marine Policy | Person in charge | Director | Lee In-ja (051-773-5670) |
| Marine and Fisheries Life Resources Division | Coordinator | Deputy Director | Heo Se-myeong (051-773-5671) |
| Reference | Overview and Main Contents of the Workshop |
□ Overview
o (Purpose) To discuss standards and measures for the systematic implementation of the BBNJ Agreement among Asia-Pacific countries and to strengthen mutual cooperation
ㅇ(Date/Location) May 28-29, 2026 / President Hotel, Seoul
ㅇ(Participants) Approximately 60 people, including government officials and representatives from international organizations and environmental organizations
□ Description
o Day 1
| Description | Presentation |
| BBNJ Agreement Overview | Dr. Amber Maggio (UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea) |
| Current Status of Korean Legislative Reforms for the Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement | Dr. Lee Chang-yeol (Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology) |
| From Acquisition to Management: Establishing a National Foundation for Marine Biodiversity |
Director General Yang Young-ik (National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea) |
| High Seas Biodiversity Research and Securing and Utilizing Genetic Resources in the BBNJ Era | Dr. Park Jun-sang (Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology) |
| Linkages to Bridge the Maritime Gap: Regional Cooperation Initiative to Establish an Asia-Pacific Marine Genetic Resources Mechanism |
Professor Rachel June Gotanco (Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines) |
| Importance of Cooperation with IOC and Capacity Development for BBNJ Implementation | Dr. Park Han-san (UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology) |
| Support for the UNEP Regional Seas Program for the Initial Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement: Linking Regional Measures with Global Commitments |
Dr. Yoon So-ra (UN Environment Programme) |
o Day 2
| Description | Presentation |
| Korea's Initiative for the Conservation of High Seas Biodiversity: Proposal of Scientifically Grounded International Marine Protected Areas and Establishment of International Networks |
Dr. Ju Se-jong (Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology) |
| Current Status and Future Directions of Marine Protected Areas in Korea | Director General Kim Young-nam (Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation) |
| Implementation of Zone-Based Management Measures under the BBNJ Agreement: Implications of a Case Study on Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems in the South Pacific |
Professor Ashley Rowden (New Zealand Earth Science Research Institute) |
| Development of the Marine Use Impact Assessment System and Application Cases in Korea | Researcher Jang Su-jeong (National Institute of Fisheries Science) |
| Implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations of the BBNJ Agreement | Lisa Speer, Senior Officer (Natural Resources Defense Council) |
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