Science Collaboration for Capacity Building: Advancing Technology Transfer Through a Treaty for Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction

Abstract

Marine technology transfer and capacity building are key elements in the development of a historic new agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ agreement) under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This vast, deep ocean area remains largely unexplored and poorly understood. Scientific knowledge gaps impede informed decision-making, and most countries lack the capacity to participate in ocean science activities in ABNJ or to benefit from discoveries of new ocean life, habitats, and processes. Consequently, science must play a central role in capacity building aspirations, however, the link between technology transfer and marine scientific research has yet to be examined in depth. Here, we examine the UNCLOS framework for marine technology transfer and highlight linkages with marine scientific research, identifying four capacity building themes: access to data, information and knowledge; equipment; training; and collaboration. We provide examples to illustrate current practices and identify gaps in implementation. We show that marine technology transfer and marine scientific research link in principle and in practice. We propose ways that the BBNJ agreement could strengthen the international framework for the transfer of marine technology in order to boost marine scientific research collaboration, fill knowledge gaps, and strengthen capacity through inclusive international participation.

Ocean Science Diplomacy can Be a Game Changer to Promote the Access to Marine Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean

“…It is a humanitarian solicitude to preserve and sustainably use the ocean, conserving its essential ecosystem services for generations to come ( Griggs et al, 2013 ). However, science and technology have not served all countries equally ( Harden-Davies and Snelgrove, 2020 ; Ocampo and Vos, 2008 , pp. 34–36).…”

Strengthening the global network for sharing of marine biological collections: recommendations for a new agreement for biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction

“…Strengthening a network of collections that hold biological samples from ABNJ could galvanize collaborative CB/TT efforts. This would require significant scientific knowledge, data and information, human and financial resources, specialist skills, and equipment ( Harden-Davies, 2017 ; Rabone et al , 2019 ; Harden-Davies and Snelgrove, 2020 ). A number of options regarding non-monetary and monetary benefit sharing have been proposed to date, but with few detailed solutions suggested ( Voigt-Hanssen, 2018 ; BBNJ, 2019 ).…”

“…], which reinforces the need to establish and strengthen both national and regional MSR centres. Different forms of CB/TT can be considered in the context of BBNJ negotiations, with a number listed in article 46 currently under consideration (UNLCOS, 1982; IOC, 2005 ; BBNJ, 2019 ; Harden-Davies and Snelgrove, 2020 ). Considering the divergence in perspectives regarding which measures to adopt and how these should be achieved, supporting a network of collections could help focus the specific forms of CB/TT and benefit sharing to meet collective objectives.…”

“…Develop a pairing scheme for biorepositories: the equivalent of mentorship pairing, but for developed and developing country biorepositories/museums, to facilitate training, mentorship, expert exchanges, collaborative scientific missions, and joint research projects/grant applications ( Campbell et al , 2018 ; Harden-Davies and Snelgrove, 2020 ). Our review of existing initiatives that foster collaborative research and best practices (as described in Table 1 and “Supporting best practices for marine biological collections” section) describe elements relevant to strengthening a global network of marine biological collections.…”

Technology Transfer, International Law And Protection of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction: Key Issues for a New International Agreement

“…Anyway, beyond the formal, hard, legal, institutional financial topics, the informal, soft side of capacity-building and technology transfer must be considered as a key dimension on this matter 104 . Mechanisms as the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) or the Global Ocean Observing System represent both a great example of an effective network and a sample of low-profile States commitments, due to its financial problems and uncertain future 105 . There is still a long way to walk regarding the lack of information about capacity-building and transfer of marine technology, in the absence of an efficient centralized mechanism of marine data.…”