A/RES/62/215
Reiterating its concern at the adverse impacts on the marine environment and
biodiversity, in particular on vulnerable marine ecosystems, including corals, of
human activities, such as overutilization of living marine resources, the use of
destructive practices, physical impacts by ships, the introduction of invasive alien
species and marine pollution from all sources, including from land-based sources
and vessels, in particular through the illegal discharge of oil and other harmful
substances, the loss or release of fishing gear and the dumping of hazardous waste
such as radioactive materials, nuclear waste and dangerous chemicals,
Expressing its serious concern over the current and projected adverse effects
of anthropogenic and natural climate change on the marine environment and marine
biodiversity,
Expressing its deep concern over the vulnerability of the environment and the
fragile ecosystems of the polar regions, including the Arctic Ocean and the Arctic
ice cap, particularly affected by the projected adverse effects of climate change,
Encouraging States to continue to contribute to the specific efforts deployed
within the framework of the International Polar Year with the goal of enhancing the
knowledge of the polar regions by strengthening scientific cooperation,
Recognizing that there is a need for a more integrated approach and to further
study and promote measures for enhanced cooperation and coordination relating to
the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond areas of national
jurisdiction,
Recognizing also that the realization of the benefits of the Convention could
be enhanced by international cooperation, technical assistance and advanced
scientific knowledge, as well as by funding and capacity-building,
Recognizing further that hydrographic surveys and nautical charting are
critical to the safety of navigation and life at sea, environmental protection,
including the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems, and the economics of the
global shipping industry, and recognizing in this regard that the move towards
electronic charting not only provides significantly increased benefits for safe
navigation and management of ship movement, but also provides data and
information that can be used for sustainable fisheries activities and other sectoral
uses of the marine environment, the delimitation of maritime boundaries and
environmental protection,
Noting with concern the continuing problem of transnational organized crime
and threats to maritime safety and security, including piracy, armed robbery at sea,
smuggling and terrorist acts against shipping, offshore installations and other
maritime interests, and noting the deplorable loss of life and adverse impact on
international trade, energy security and the global economy resulting from such
activities,
Noting the importance of the delineation of the outer limits of the continental
shelf beyond 200 nautical miles and that it is in the broader interest of the
international community that States with a continental shelf beyond 200 nautical
miles submit information on the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200
nautical miles to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (“the
Commission”), and noting in this regard that some States have already made
submissions to the Commission,
Noting also that some States may face particular challenges in relation to
preparing submissions to the Commission,
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