ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the current legal and institutional framework for environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strategic environmental assessment (SEA) as it applies to Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) and its implementation in sectoral and regional contexts. Gaps in legal and institutional framework to implement EIA and SEA for activities affecting ABNJ are discussed as well as the initiatives being taken. The options available for international community to develop more comprehensive legal and institutional framework for EIA and SEA in these extensive areas of the ocean. It examines the process currently being undertaken in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to define the special considerations to be taken into account in EIAs of activities with potential to significantly affect biodiversity in marine and coastal areas, including ABNJ. All these options are likely to canvassed in future meetings of the beyond areas of national jurisdiction (BBNJ) Working Group, which has emerged as the political centre of gravity for discussions on ABNJ governance.
