Wealth blindness beyond national jurisdiction

Area of Science:

• Marine Policy and Governance
• Marine Genetic Resources (MGR)
• Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)

Background:

• Marine genetic resources (MGR) are a novel challenge in high seas management.
• Discussions are underway at the United Nations for a treaty on marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the concept of 'wealth blindness' among developing states regarding MGR.
• To analyze how wealth blindness influences negotiations on the economic exploitation of MGR.
• To examine the link between wealth blindness and demands for capacity building and technology transfer in the BBNJ treaty.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of 'wealth blindness' in the context of MGR.
• Review of ongoing United Nations discussions on the BBNJ treaty.
• Examination of the relationship between economic valuation challenges and capacity-building demands.

Main Results:

• Developing states often lack the capacity to accurately assess the economic potential of MGR.
• This 'wealth blindness' complicates debates on the profitable exploitation of MGR.
• The issue is intrinsically linked to calls for enhanced capacity building and technology transfer within the BBNJ framework.

Conclusions:

• Addressing 'wealth blindness' is crucial for equitable benefit-sharing from MGR.
• Capacity building and technology transfer are essential components for developing nations' participation in MGR governance.
• The BBNJ treaty negotiations must consider these disparities to ensure sustainable and inclusive management of marine genetic resources.