Decisions 15.65 to 15.68 - Seagrass Ecosystems
Aquatic Species Conservation Issues
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Decision directed to: Parties
Parties are requested to:
a) identify, at the national level, migratory species that use seagrass meadows, the most important seagrass ecosystems for migratory species, the most important ongoing threats to seagrass and drivers of seagrass loss, the main historical reasons that have resulted in the loss of seagrass beds, the most important activities that prevent their recovery, and the conservation actions necessary to reduce seagrass loss and restore it, including the conservation of migratory species that support healthy seagrass ecosystems;
b) include identified seagrass meadows in marine protected areas, locally managed marine areas, or other effective conservation measures, as well as in marine spatial plans.
Decision directed to: Parties, IGOs & NGOs
Parties, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations are encouraged to provide technical support to conservation, sustainable management and research in seagrass ecosystems that are of particular importance to marine migratory species globally.
Decision directed to: Scientific Council
The Scientific Council is requested, subject to availability of resources, to:
a) provide technical support to Parties to identify an inventory of migratory species that use seagrass ecosystems and those that contribute to their functioning, the most important seagrass meadows for migratory species globally, the most important past and current threats to seagrass and drivers of seagrass degradation and loss, and the conservation actions necessary to reduce seagrass loss and restore it;
b) collaborate with the Dugong MOU and other intergovernmental organizations or initiatives such as UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the IUCN SSC Seagrass Specialist Group, to accelerate the process described in paragraph 15.67 a).
Decision directed to: Secretariat
Where appropriate, the Secretariat shall, in collaboration with Parties and subject to availability of resources:
a) provide technical support to Parties on conservation, sustainable management and research in seagrass ecosystems that are of particular importance to marine migratory species;
b) develop and disseminate guidelines and management tools for conservation, sustainable management and research in seagrass ecosystems that are of particular importance to marine migratory species.