Call for Abstracts 2025

OGP/NCLOS Joint Interdisciplinary Conference on Emerging Issues in Marine Environment and Law of the Sea

Concept Note: 

Following the success of the maiden International Ocean Governance Conference on Emerging Issues in Maritime Boundary Delimitation and Ocean Governance in Africa, the Ocean Governance, Research and Development Project is proud to present the 2nd International Ocean Governance Conference on the theme “Emerging Issues in Marine Environment and the Law of the Sea”.

Although the ocean plays a vital role on the planet and has immense biological and socio-economic benefits, it faces unprecedented challenges such as climate change, marine pollution, unsustainable resource exploitation, rising sea temperature and many others. This year’s Conference will bring together stakeholders, academics, industry professionals and experts from diverse fields and backgrounds to address emerging issues impacting the marine environment and the legal frameworks that govern ocean exploitation and regulation.  Apart from national and regional mechanisms to conserve the marine environment within national jurisdictions, the current international attempt to bring into force the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ Agreement) is not only timely, but it offers hope and presents challenges at the same time. The object of this treaty is to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction for the present and in the long term, through effective implementation of the relevant provisions of the UNCLOS and to further international cooperation and coordination. The element-specific objectives of the BBNJ Agreement include Area-based management tools, including marine protected areas; Environmental Impact Assessments; Marine genetic resources, including the fair and equitable sharing of benefits and capacity building and transfer of marine technology. This conference intends to devote valuable time to assess the opportunities it offers as well as the challenges that confront the realisation of the benefits of the treaty.

Our goal at this year’s conference is to fully and clearly appreciate the various marine environmental challenges, explore innovative solutions, foster meaningful dialogue, build collaborative partnerships to tackle these critical challenges and make vital recommendations that have plagued the ocean and its resources.

The Conference:

This proposed joint interdisciplinary conference between the Ocean Governance Project at the University of Ghana School of Law and the Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea (NCLOS) based at the University of Trømso will advance understanding, collaboration, and capacity building in Marine Environment and the Law of the Sea.

Conference Objectives:

1. Promote Knowledge Exchange: Foster dialogue and the sharing of experiences among participants to enhance mutual learning.

2. Encourage Dialogue and Understanding: Provide a platform for open, constructive discussions on key issues related to the Marine Environment and the Law of the Sea.

3. Support Capacity Building: Offer opportunities for initiatives aimed at strengthening skills and knowledge in Marine Environment and ocean governance.

4. Drive Policy and Legal Innovation: Engage policymakers and legal experts to advance innovative policies and legal frameworks for the Marine Environment and the Law of the Sea.

5. Encourage Collaboration: Promote interdisciplinary cooperation to critical emerging issues in the Marine Environment.

Key Conference Sub-Themes:

Climate Change and the Marine Environment Challenges: Legal, Policy, Scientific and Societal Responses

• Examining the legal frameworks governing climate change mitigation and adaptation measures in the marine environment.
• Analyzing the socio-economic impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
• Exploring scientific advancements and technological solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change on the oceans.
• Evaluating International Marine Conservation Policies in Response to Climate Change.

Marine Resource Management in West Africa: Legal Frameworks and Policy Challenges

• Evaluating the effectiveness of existing legal frameworks in managing marine resources in West Africa.
• Identifying key policy challenges and opportunities for enhancing sustainable resource management practices.
• Examining the role of community involvement and traditional ecological knowledge in marine conservation.

Sustainable Fisheries Management in West Africa: The Challenges of Balancing Economic Development and Environmental Protection.

• Considerations in implementing the fish stocks agreement
• Use of technology in reducing and managing Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
• Managing impacts on fishing livelihoods arising from climate change and fisheries law enforcement.
• Enhancing growth in mariculture to help improve fish food security.

Beyond the Text: Addressing the Implementation Challenges of the BBNJ Agreement in Africa

• The implications and opportunities presented by the BBNJ Agreement for Africa.
• Analyzing challenges to effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement and proposing strategies for overcoming them.
• Implementing the BBNJ Agreement in African Waters: Overcoming Fisheries Management Challenges for Biodiversity Protection and Sustainable Use.

Developing a Global Legal Regime to Dealing with Marine Plastics: Reflections on Progress and the way Forward

• Reviewing the current state of international legal instruments and policies addressing marine plastic pollution.
• Analyzing the challenges and opportunities for developing a comprehensive global legal framework.
• Examining the role of technology, innovation, and public awareness in mitigating plastic pollution.