Marine protected areas definition
Suggestion 1: Adapt CBD definition[edit | edit source]
A geographically defined area located in the water column and/or seabed which is designated, regulated and managed to achieve specific conservation objectives.
References: CBD Art 2
Suggestion 2: Explicit nature conservation objective (as per IUCN definitions)[edit | edit source]
…including the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values
Suggestion 3: Specific categories[edit | edit source]
MPAs may have a variety of objectives and stringency in regulation, ranging from strictly protected marine reserves to areas where uses compatible with the MPA objectives are allowed.
The instrument could list specific categories or provide for recognition of categories developed by other bodies.
References: Madrid Protocol Annex V: Art 3 (Antarctic Specially Protected Areas); Art 4 (Antarctic Specially Managed Areas)
Suggestion 4: MPAs as category of ABMTs[edit | edit source]
The definition could distinguish MPAs as a subcategory of ABMTs which have a primary stated objective of achieving long-term conservation of marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
Suggestion 5: Flexible definition[edit | edit source]
Any definition must be wide or flexible enough to encompass the high seas protected areas already created by RFMOs, so that they would be fully recognised as MPAs under the instrument.