Glossary

Korem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc vulputate libero et velit interdum, ac aliquet odio mattis.

Acronym
Term
Meaning

ABMT

area-based management tool

Measures applied to geographically defined marine areas to achieve conservation and sustainable-use objectives, including marine protected areas, particularly in areas beyond national jurisdiction, in accordance with the BBNJ Agreement and relevant international law.

ABNJ

areas beyond national jurisdiction

Marine areas that lie outside the jurisdiction of any State, comprising the high seas and the Area (the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction), as defined under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

AOSIS

Alliance of Small Island States

An intergovernmental organization representing small island and low-lying coastal developing States in international negotiations, including on climate change, oceans and sustainable development.

BBNJ

biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction

Marine biological diversity found in areas beyond national jurisdiction, including diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.

BBNJ Agreement

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement

The international agreement adopted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, including provisions on marine genetic resources, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology.

CBD

Convention on Biological Diversity

The global treaty for the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

CCRF

Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries

A voluntary FAO framework setting principles and standards for the conservation, management and development of fisheries and aquaculture.

CITES

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

An international agreement that regulates trade in listed wild animals and plants so that international trade does not threaten their survival.

CMS

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

A global treaty that provides a framework for conserving migratory animals and their habitats across national boundaries.

COP

Conference of the Parties

The governing meeting of the parties to an international convention or agreement, at which implementation and future decisions are considered.

© 2026 ABNJ. All rights reserved.