Note to Correspondents

UN UNIVERSITY TO LAUNCH NEW REPORT ON ‘BIOPROSPECTING IN THE DEEP SEABED’, 9 JUNE

A new report by the United Nations University Institute for Advanced Studies, Bioprospecting of Genetic Resources in the Deep Seabed, a comprehensive review of scientific, legal and policy issues in deep seabed bioprospecting, will be launched on 9 June at a UNU briefing in Conference Room 6 from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.

The Japan-based UNU Institute warns that vast genetic resources on the international deep sea floor need protection from “free-for-all” commercial exploitation.

At the briefing and as part of the sixth meeting of the Open-Ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and Law of the Sea, report authors will outline major findings and proposed policy options for regulating the exploitation of deep seabed genetic resources beyond national jurisdiction, followed by delegates’ feedback.

Programme

1:30 – 1:35	Opening remarks, Prof. A.H. Zakri, Director, UNU-IAS
1:35 – 1:40	Toward regulation of the Deep Seabed: Conclusions from the UNU-IAS, Report Salvatore Arico, Visiting Research Fellow, UNU-IAS
1:40 – 1:50	Understanding the Scientific and Technological Aspects of Deep Seabed Research, Cindy Lee van Dover, the College of William & Mary
1:50 – 2:00	The Role of the Private Sector in Deep Seabed Bioprospecting, Eric Mathur, Diversa
2:00 – 2:40	Possible Ways Forward, Discussion with Experts and Delegates
2:40 – 2:45	Closing Remarks

For more information and media registration: http://www.ony.unu.edu

* *** *