The adoption of the BBNJ Agreement creates new opportunities to enhance the conservation of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, in support of the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including Target 3 on conserving at least 30 per cent of marine and coastal areas by 2030. At the same time, the Convention on Migratory Species and related instruments, including CITES, provide long-standing species-based frameworks addressing threats faced by marine megafauna such as sharks and rays.

 

This side-event will explore how enhanced synergies between global agreements and initiatives can strengthen implementation on the ground, by better connecting international policy frameworks, scientific knowledge and regional cooperation mechanisms.

 

It will highlight how such synergies can support science-based, information-driven initiatives, including the Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRA), which identify critical habitats essential for the persistence and recovery of threatened species.

 

The discussion could further examine how global and scientific coherence can benefit regional coordination and marine spatial planning efforts, drawing on the example of RAMPAS (South-East Pacific Marine Protected Areas Network), led by the Permanent Commission for the South Pacific.

 

By bridging global governance, scientific tools and regional action, the side-event aims to illustrate pathways for more effective, coherent and impactful conservation of marine migratory species.