Science & Technology Empower
Sustainable Ocean
Governance
2026 International Conference on BBNJ: Science and Governance
HOST
China Deep Ocean Affairs Administration, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China (MNR) Xiamen Municipal People’s GovernmentOrganizers
Second Institute of Oceanography, MNR; China Institute for Marine Affairs, MNR; Third Institute of Oceanography, MNR; Xiamen Municipal Ocean Development Bureau; Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology FoundationSupporters
National Deep Sea Center; First Institute of Oceanography, MNR; Fourth Institute of Oceanography, MNR; National Marine Data and Information Service; National Satellite Ocean Application Service; China Oceanic Development Foundation; Xiamen University; Ocean University of China; Fujian Provincial Department of Ocean and FisheriesABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) entered into force on 17 January 2026, marking a historic achievement in multilateral efforts to ensure the health and resilience of marine ecosystems. Attention now shifts to implementation, which requires continued efforts to advance scientific understanding, promote technological innovation, and strengthen international cooperation and coordinated governance.
In this context, the 2026 International Conference on BBNJ: Science and Governance will provide an open and inclusive platform for dialogue and collaboration.
The conference will bring together global partners engaged in marine biodiversity conservation in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), including scientists, government representatives, international organizations, and other stakeholders, to foster collaborative approaches toward addressing the challenges ahead.
The Conference will consist of three parallel Panels,
Showcasing recent advances and practical experiences across the four pillars of the BBNJ Agreement:
Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs), and Capacity-Building and Transfer of Marine Technology (CB&TMT).
01
Science and Cooperation
This Panel will bring together cutting-edge knowledge from around the world to reinforce the role of science in informing and guiding protection efforts, with a focus on blue corridors for migratory species, area-based management tools, and the synergy between scientific and traditional knowledge systems.
02
Technology and Innovation
This Panel will explore how technological advances can strengthen technical capacity and practical implementation in biodiversity conservation, environmental impact assessment, and marine genetic resources in ABNJ. The Panel will also feature interactive demonstrations, including hands-on experience with DePTH-GPT, a groundbreaking deep-sea AI model.
03
Governance and Empowerment
This Panel wil share global practices and Chinese approaches to ABNJ governance, to advance a coordinated, equitable, and effective governance framework. The Panel will bridge science and policy and feature a roundtable discussion on cooperation networks among developing countries.
OBJECTIVES
01
To advance knowledge exchange and scientific dialogue on marine biodiversity conservation in ABNJ
02
To promote collaboration among global partners to strengthen capacity-building and support the effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement
03
To share China's practices and experience in advancing ABNJ conservation and sustainable use
DRAFT PROGRAMME
| 9:00-11:00 | Welcome & Opening Ceremony |
| 12:00-14:00 | Lunch Break & Networking |
| 14:00-18:00 |
Three Panels, held in parallel
Panel 1: Science and CooperationINDICATIVE DISCUSSION TOPICS:
Roundtable Discussion: Cooperation with other Instruments, Framework, and Bodies
Panel 2: Technology and InnovationINDICATIVE DISCUSSION TOPICS:
Roundtable Discussion: The Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM) and Data Sharing
Panel 3: Governance and EmpowermentINDICATIVE DISCUSSION TOPICS:
Roundtable Discussion: Governance and Capacity-Building
|
REGISTRATION
Registration and participation
For registration, please scan the QR code below or click here to submit your registration information
Registration deadline: 15 October 2026.
The Conference welcomes broad participation from scientists, policymakers, and other stakeholders. All interested participants are welcome to register and attend.
Expression of Interest for Speakers and Panelists
The Conference welcomes expressions of interest from experts and stakeholders who wish to contribute to discussions on the thematic areas of the Panels. Interested participants may indicate their expertise and potential areas of contribution related to the topics outlined in the draft programme, as well as other relevant aspects of BBNJ. The organizers will review expressions of interest and invite speakers and panelists based on the overall structure and thematic balance of the Conference.
Contact
For further inquiries, please contact:
Dr. Dongsheng Zhang at bbnjsio@sio.org.cn
Dr. Fanyu Zhou at zhoufanyu@sio.org.cn
Dr. Chang Zhao at zhaochang@cimamnr.org.cn
Accommodation
For participants’ convenience, a list of nearby accommodation options is provided below.
| No. | Hotel |
|---|---|
| 1 | International Conference Center Hotel Xiamen |
| 2 | Yuehua Hotel, Xiamen Seaside |
| 3 | Tianyuan Grand Hotel Xiamen |
| 4 | InterContinental Xiamen |
| 5 | Hotel Nikko Xiamen |
| 6 | Novotel Xiamen International Convention Center |
| 7 | Shangri-La, Xiamen |
| 8 | Juntai Hotel Xiamen |
| 9 | White Dolphin Hotel Xiamen |
| 10 | Tianyuan Junlong Hotel |
| 11 | Seaview Resort Xiamen |