A/RES/64/71 annual report of the Secretary-General and for incorporation on the website of the Division; 139. Takes note of the adoption by the International Conference on the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, held in Hong Kong, China, from 11 to 15 May 2009, of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009, and six resolutions related thereto, 62 and encourages States to ratify or accede to this Convention to facilitate its early entry into force; 61F 140. Also takes note of the role of the Basel Convention29 in protecting the marine environment against the adverse effects which may result from such wastes; X Marine biodiversity 141. Reaffirms its role relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction, notes the work of States and relevant intergovernmental organizations and bodies on those issues, and invites them to contribute to its consideration of these issues within the areas of their respective competence; 142. Notes the discussion on the relevant legal regime on marine genetic resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction in accordance with the Convention, and calls upon States to further consider this issue in the context of the mandate of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group to study issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction (“the Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group”), with a view to making further progress on this issue; 143. Recognizes the abundance and diversity of marine genetic resources and their value in terms of the benefits, goods and services they can provide; 144. Also recognizes the importance of research on marine genetic resources for the purpose of enhancing the scientific understanding, potential use and application, and enhanced management of marine ecosystems; 145. Encourages States and international organizations, including through bilateral, regional and global cooperation programmes and partnerships, to continue in a sustainable and comprehensive way to support, promote and strengthen capacity-building activities, in particular in developing countries, in the field of marine scientific research, taking into account, in particular, the need to create greater taxonomic capabilities; 146. Reaffirms its request to the Secretary-General to convene a meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group in accordance with paragraphs 127 to 130 of resolution 63/111, to take place from 1 to 5 February 2010, to provide recommendations to the General Assembly; 147. Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction, prepared in response to the request contained in paragraph 128 of resolution 63/111; 63 62F _______________ 62 63 See International Maritime Organization, documents SR/CONF/45 and SR/CONF/46, attachment. A/64/66/Add.2. 25