This is the agenda for The DEEP SEA MEETING 2019, an effort carried out be the GEF-funded Common Oceans ABNJ Deep Seas Project that is jointly implemented by FAO and UN Environment. FAO is also partners with the SponGES Project, which is a research and innovation Project funded under the H2020 Blue Growth initiative. The DEEP SEA MEETING 2019 aims to build on the Common Oceans ABNJ Deep Seas Project and SponGES Project, to showcase existing knowledge, practices, and innovative research for sustainable deep-sea fisheries management and biodiversity conservation in the ABNJ.

This is a Concept Note of The DEEP SEA MEETING 2019, an effort carried out be the GEF-funded Common Oceans ABNJ Deep Seas Project that is jointly implemented by FAO and UN Environment. FAO is also partners with the SponGES Project, which is a research and innovation Project funded under the H2020 Blue Growth initiative. The DEEP SEA CONFERENCE 2019 aims to build on the Common Oceans ABNJ Deep Seas Project and SponGES Project, to showcase existing knowledge, practices, and innovative research for sustainable deep-sea fisheries management and biodiversity conservation in the ABNJ.

The relevance of connectivity for marine biodiversity has been recognised in the negotiations for a new international legally binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. This technical brief provides evidence to support future negotiations. It explains how connectivity can be considered in negotiations on three of the four ‘package elements’ of the instrument: area-based tools, environmental impact assessments and technology transfer and capacity building. This technical brief provides an opportunity to consider appropriate ways to include ecological connectivity in order to support the delivery of the ecosystem approach. This brief was produced under the auspices of the ABNJ Deeps Seas Project funded by the Global Environment Facility. This is a 5-year project jointly implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) in partnership with regional fisheries bodies, Regional Seas Programmes, the fishing industry, international organziations and governments.