Unlocking the global commons: legal analysis of benefit-sharing for marine genetic resources in the BBNJ agreement
The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement marks a significant step in governing global commons, yet faces implementation challenges regarding marine genetic resources (MGRs). Key limitations include ambiguous definitions of derivatives, tension between freedom of high seas and c...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Marine Science |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1541331/full |
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| author | Steel Rometius Wei Wang Wei Wang |
| author_facet | Steel Rometius Wei Wang Wei Wang |
| author_sort | Steel Rometius |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement marks a significant step in governing global commons, yet faces implementation challenges regarding marine genetic resources (MGRs). Key limitations include ambiguous definitions of derivatives, tension between freedom of high seas and common heritage principles, and uncertain benefit-sharing models. In response, this paper proposes three improvements: (1) expanding MGRs interpretation under the Vienna Convention to include derivatives, accompanied by a clarifying negative list; (2) implementing a phased benefit-sharing mechanism that progressively incorporates common heritage principles as MGRs approach commercialization; and (3) developing a hybrid model combining monetary and non-monetary contributions with minimum standards to ensure benefits for developing States. These solutions would enhance marine biodiversity protection while ensuring equitable distribution of MGR benefits. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ec8abd4c46fc4fbfa0b0baebf1f16228 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2296-7745 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Marine Science |
| spelling | doaj-art-ec8abd4c46fc4fbfa0b0baebf1f162282025-08-20T02:03:07ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Marine Science2296-77452025-06-011210.3389/fmars.2025.15413311541331Unlocking the global commons: legal analysis of benefit-sharing for marine genetic resources in the BBNJ agreementSteel Rometius0Wei Wang1Wei Wang2Guanghua Law School, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, ChinaGuanghua Law School, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, ChinaMelbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, AustraliaThe Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement marks a significant step in governing global commons, yet faces implementation challenges regarding marine genetic resources (MGRs). Key limitations include ambiguous definitions of derivatives, tension between freedom of high seas and common heritage principles, and uncertain benefit-sharing models. In response, this paper proposes three improvements: (1) expanding MGRs interpretation under the Vienna Convention to include derivatives, accompanied by a clarifying negative list; (2) implementing a phased benefit-sharing mechanism that progressively incorporates common heritage principles as MGRs approach commercialization; and (3) developing a hybrid model combining monetary and non-monetary contributions with minimum standards to ensure benefits for developing States. These solutions would enhance marine biodiversity protection while ensuring equitable distribution of MGR benefits.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1541331/fullthe BBNJ agreementmarine genetic resourcesdigital sequence informationbenefit-sharingthe common heritage of mankindthe freedom of the high seas |
| spellingShingle | Steel Rometius Wei Wang Wei Wang Unlocking the global commons: legal analysis of benefit-sharing for marine genetic resources in the BBNJ agreement Frontiers in Marine Science the BBNJ agreement marine genetic resources digital sequence information benefit-sharing the common heritage of mankind the freedom of the high seas |
| title | Unlocking the global commons: legal analysis of benefit-sharing for marine genetic resources in the BBNJ agreement |
| title_full | Unlocking the global commons: legal analysis of benefit-sharing for marine genetic resources in the BBNJ agreement |
| title_fullStr | Unlocking the global commons: legal analysis of benefit-sharing for marine genetic resources in the BBNJ agreement |
| title_full_unstemmed | Unlocking the global commons: legal analysis of benefit-sharing for marine genetic resources in the BBNJ agreement |
| title_short | Unlocking the global commons: legal analysis of benefit-sharing for marine genetic resources in the BBNJ agreement |
| title_sort | unlocking the global commons legal analysis of benefit sharing for marine genetic resources in the bbnj agreement |
| topic | the BBNJ agreement marine genetic resources digital sequence information benefit-sharing the common heritage of mankind the freedom of the high seas |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1541331/full |
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