The Ecosystem Approach (EA) is one of (several) concepts that
emerged within conservation science and later developed into legal concepts aimed at facilitating the sustainable management of biological diversity. One such journey is not without peril though, as concepts traverse vocabularies, conceptual frameworks, goals, and ultimately (must) function in a diverse array of institutional contexts. One branch of
this journey has led to the integration of EA in the new treaty on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, as one of the guiding principles and/or approaches. This offers an opportunity to explore the
relationship between law, policy and science as it has been captured in the BBNJ treaty and how it may develop once (and if) the treaty enters into force.
