Mr. Chairman,

- I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 7 regarding the consideration of measures such as area-based management tools, including marine protected areas.

- In order to give effect to the very object of the new instrument, especially the conservation aspect, the Group of 77 and China is of the view that the area-based management tools are important for conservation of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the marine protected areas.

Mr. Chairman,

- At this preliminary stage, we would like to propose that the elements for consideration of this topic should include the identification and definition of the obligations and objectives of the measures to be taken. The obligations and objectives are related, among others, to conservation, management and cooperation.

- While it is important that the new instrument should not undermine the existing marine protected areas established either by global sectoral or regional organizations, we are of the view that there is a need for an institutional mechanism to coordinate the existing management tools at global level.

- Finally, the Group of 77 and China views that the consideration of this topic should also include the issue of basic governance principles such as the precautionary approach, science-based approach, transparency as well as accountability. Such principles are also important in the process of establishment of MPAs which comprises different steps, from the designation of the areas to be protected, to the development of standard criteria based on best scientific available as well as the establishment of a global institutional mechanism that administers all the process.

- I thank you, Mr. Chairman.