Lisa Speer spoke at the forum @2023 East Asia Marine Cooperation Platform Qingdao Forum 

Lisa Speer, who directs the international oceans program in NRDC, was invited to attend a high-level international forum “BBNJ Agreement- Achievements and Expectations”. Lisa spoke at the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) session. She introduced the provisions, the function and new requirements, and the definition of “significant adverse effects”. At the end of her presentation, she emphasized the importance of rapid entry into force and implementation of the new treaty. She said there was no time to lose in addressing the crushing pressures of climate change, overfishing, habitat loss and other threats to marine biodiversity in ABNJ (area beyond national jurisdiction). The forum was held in Qingdao at the end of June by the Institute of Marine Development Strategy of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the China Ocean Development Foundation, the Qingdao West Coast New Area Management Committee, and the Qingdao Marine Development Bureau, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Qingdao Government. It was the first important international forum after the adoption of the BBNJ Agreement, with the aim to improve the understanding of the BBNJ Agreement among all parties and to support practical cooperation.