Sustainable Management of Marine Biodiversity in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction by Establishing Protected Areas on the High Seas: A Chinese Perspective

Due to the several undiscovered and valuable gene and mineral resources, marine biodiversity is considered a strategic asset for socio-economic development. However, marine biodiversity is facing grave threats, particularly in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), where sustainable management and effective implementation of governance is yet lacking. Here existing international legal regimes with the protection of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction are briefly summarized, focusing on potential factors influencing China's policymaking on the construction of marine protected areas on the high seas. It is concluded that China should actively participate in international negotiations and seriously assess the impacts of establishing these protected areas before making its own decision in order to achieve the sustainable conservation and management of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. In addition, the policy's future research directions will be the practical challenges for China to establish and manage the marine protected areas on the high seas, especially in the selection of locations and the model of management.

Automated summary

Due to the presence of valuable gene and mineral resources, marine biodiversity is considered crucial for socio-economic development. However, there are significant threats to marine biodiversity, particularly in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), where effective governance and sustainable management are lacking. This article provides a brief overview of existing international legal regimes for protecting marine biodiversity in ABNJ, with a focus on the factors influencing China's policy-making on the establishment of marine protected areas in high seas. It concludes that China should actively engage in international negotiations, assess the impacts of establishing protected areas, and ensure sustainable conservation and management of marine biodiversity in ABNJ. Additionally, the article discusses the practical challenges for China in selecting locations and models for managing marine protected areas on the high seas.