Creating a Body of Science we need for the Ocean we want: Role and Characteristics of a Scientific and Technical Body for the new BBNJ Agreement

Negotiations for a new legally binding agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) is currently ongoing. As one part of the agreement, negotiators from over one hundred governments are envisioning a scientific and technical body (STB) for advice on the implementation of the future agreement. However, research is lacking regarding the role and characteristics of such a body, concerning criteria for choosing experts to ensure an independent, representative, continuous advice and review of measures, assessments of progress and recommendations in the BBNJ process. This article analyses the institutionalisation of science for the new agreement on marine biodiversity by using ethnographic data, collected at the intergovernmental conferences regarding statements by state and non-state actors on their positions on the future STB, as well as expert interviews with BBNJ stakeholders on their perspectives regarding the role and characteristics of this new subsidiary body. In the light of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030), this article reflects on the opportunity of the future STB to create a representative knowledge base for marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction through cross-sectoral and cross-generational collaboration.