The ocean is fundamental to the well-being of our planet and closely connected to many aspects of our lives. As is evident from many scientific reports, we are facing multiple crises in relation to the health of the ocean and the unsustainability of human activities. For this reason, the World Maritime University – Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute was founded and tasked with addressing some of the most pressing issues in ocean affairs and the law of the sea. The Nippon Foundation is therefore very pleased to see that the Institute is working very closely with the Center of Oceans Law and Policy at the University of Virginia School of Law along with other international partners in making a substantive contribution to the negotiation of a new treaty on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction through this academic conference and fine volume of conference papers. Undoubtedly, this contribution will assist delegations in bringing the bbnj negotiations to a successful conclusion. We are also very pleased to see the high-level representatives that attended the conference at the World Maritime University from most countries and regions, including land-locked ones, and from intergovernmental organisations, business and civil society. The bbnj Agreement will require support from all of these entities when adopted. If it attracts universal support, it can make a big difference in how the global community addresses the environmental pressures that are exacerbating inequalities and threatening food security in some of the world’s poorest countries. These issues are so intertwined that it is crucial to build networks, with an interdisciplinary perspective, in order to accelerate cooperation that goes beyond the existing frameworks within countries and institutions. In that spirit, the Nippon Foundation has been committed to develop experts from all over the world in maritime and ocean affairs over three decades; the joint program with the un doalos is one example of our capacity building initiatives. We have been delivering training to government officials in the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, in order to reinforce the knowledge and capacity necessary for effective national participation in the bbnj process and to ensure the effective implementation of the new instrument in due course. Crucially in this regard, we are delighted to see a very solid focus on capacity-building in the papers presented in this volume. This important contribution to scholarship will be welcomed worldwide by all those concerned with ocean affairs and international cooperation to ensure peace and the sustainable future of our planet for many future generations.
Mr. Mitsuyuki Unno
Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation