The Embassy of Timor-Leste to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union, Brussels attended the Workshop SIDS Capacity – Development aspects in the BBNJ Prepcom, “Healthy Oceans, Resilient Islands” held from 7 to 9 March 2017. The event was co-organized by the Government of Belgium and UNESCO-IOC and consisted in a workshop on the various aspects of implementing capacity-development and technology transfer, related to the following elements of a new international instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ): marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments and marine genetic resources.
This informal workshop brought together representatives of SIDS with a special interest and expertise in the BBNJ process. The workshop aimed at providing a unique opportunity to substantially discuss capacity-building needs and priorities of SIDS concerning biodiversity and oceans. Besides discussing BBNJ, experts also were given an opportunity to exchange views on challenges SIDS are facing due to climate change.
The Ambassador attended a Walking Dinner welcomed by the Belgium Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, Didier Reynders.