Growing up on the Seychelles, a small island that develops a small island that is deeply dependent on vast marine territory and marine ecosystems, Jeremy Laguain had a strong passion for marine conservation. Since graduating from the Masters of Environmental Science Policy and Policy (MPA-ESP) program at Columbia University in May 2024, he has played a key role in the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Eastern and South Africa Regional Office.
His research focuses on accelerating the ratification and implementation of biodiversity beyond the National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. This is an international agreement seeking to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of marine biodiversity in areas outside of their national jurisdiction.
In this interview, Raguain shares his current work, his experiences at the 16th Conference of the Parties on Biodiversity (COP16), and insights into how Colombia shaped his path.
You recently attended COP16 on Potato Biodiversity in Colombia. What was your important takeaway?
Biological Diversity’s COP16 Convention on COP16 had a different feel compared to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Police, particularly in terms of financial negotiations. There is growing awareness that funding sources for biodiversity conservation, adaptation efforts and conservation are shrinking rather than expanding. This focuses on finding “win-win” solutions, such as mangrove protection. This can promote progression and create synergy within what is called marine climate biodiversity bonds. Mangrove conservation can simultaneously contribute to the nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement, the national biodiversity strategy and action plan under the Convention on Biological Diversity, and several sustainable development goals.
Another important topic of discussion was recognition of ecological and biologically important areas. This is essential to ensure that marine protection zones within national territories and within regions beyond national jurisdiction are accepted by global awareness. However, ensuring financial commitment to biodiversity conservation has been heavily debated, and in donor countries, particularly in the EU. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This financial uncertainty was particularly evident in the discussions regarding the Digital Sequence Information Fund. There, we ensure that benefits from genetic resources are shared fairly. Especially for developing countries and the global South. From where I was sitting, it seems unlikely that these ambitious financial goals will be met without substantial structural changes.
COP16 highlighted the importance of strengthening marine biodiversity conservation and improving global marine governance. How do you work with the International Union for Conservation of Nature at Regional Offices in East and South Africa? Do you contribute to these efforts?
I joined Iucn Esaro in November as a senior program officer, focusing mainly on translating the BBNJ contract from treaties that helped negotiate East and South African laws and actions through the Great Blue Wall initiative. The initiative empowers communities by enhancing sustainable fisheries value chains and creating additional economic opportunities through ecotourism and related activities while conserving marine resources through marine reserves. Our Coastal and Marine Resilience Program covers Eastern and South Africa, spanning Somalia, South Africa, Angola, and many island nations. My job is focused on moving forward with ratification and implementation of the BBNJ contract.
What makes BBNJ so important?
The contract is important as it regulates access to marine genetic resources, establishes processes to create area-based management tools such as marine protected areas and environmental impact assessments, and enhances the capacity of developing countries. The third implementation agreement of the United Nations Convention on Maritime Law is the first agreement focused on the protection of biodiversity found in international waters, and is hailed as an immeasurable achievement, as it promotes global cooperation in maritime governance, even strengthening geopolitics.
Of the 11 coastal African countries I work with, two have ratified and five have signed it. My goal is to ensure that the government will start ratifying and implementing what is called “Four Treaties and Four Treaties.” This is achieved through partnerships and engagement with governments, local organizations, NGOs, the scientific community and other stakeholders.
What are the biggest challenges and rewards of working on marine conservation and international environmental agreements?
One of the biggest challenges is the bureaucratic complexity of working in regional and international organizations and individual government agencies, each with its own policies and procedures. Many governments are already overwhelmed by existing multilateral environmental agreements, making it difficult to prioritize the BBNJ agreement. Political instability in some countries, such as Mozambique, also complicates the involvement of environmental policy. Success in this field requires a deep understanding of political dynamics and the ability to align conservation efforts with national priorities.
At the same time, one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is providing technical and strategic support to countries that may lack the capacity to engage in these complex international agreements. It makes a lot of sense to help the nation navigate the policy framework and ensure the resources it needs. The work is valuable when you look at countries that not only ratify agreements but strengthen their ability to implement meaningful conservation efforts.
In addition to your policy work, you are also engaged in research. Tell us about your project with Sara Tjossem.
I started this study with Tjossem as an independent study last January. Given my participation in negotiations for the BBNJ agreement, the Climate and Maritime Advisors of the United Nations and Alliance’s permanent mission at Seychelles conducted a survey of about 20 negotiators and observers, mainly from small island developing countries. The goal of this study is to provide recommendations to policymakers in small island developing countries on how decision-makers can understand how profits and trade-offs of BBNJ contracts can be assessed and trade-offs and to advance ratification and implementation of this contract.
Growing up in Seychelles, I understand how important these agreements are to geo-economic and environmental security. This understanding shaped my research and expanded it to multiple papers. The first place I am the lead author will be released in Ocean Yearbook 39, which will be released in mid-2025. He is also working on two additional papers focusing on ratification and implementation of contracts. The employment period between graduation and starting my current role allowed me to be fully devoted to consulting and writing. We look forward to how this work can inform policy discussions.
How did the MPA-ESP program prepare you for your career?
The ESP workshop was an outstanding experience. It is structured like a real-world office environment and provides valuable insight into how it works within a team. It was a great space for self-reflection and professional development.
Other important experiences include climate law seminars Michael Gerrardprovided insights into legal behaviorism and policy enforcement, and provided to become a teaching assistant in graduate-level course climate justice theory, practice, and policy. Sheila Foster. The Hydrology and Environmental Policy Course was particularly helpful in shaping my approach to bridge the gap between policymakers and scientists.
What advice would you give to current MPA-ESP students interested in environmental policy, conservation, or careers in international organizations?
Take advantage of Colombia’s network. Profassers, fellow students, and research centers are all valuable connections. But don’t approach networking only from a career perspective. A genuine relationship offers the most meaningful opportunity.
We also recognize that international environmental policies are often conceptual and bureaucratic, but that doesn’t mean that change will not occur. Sometimes the most shocking work is not visible, but rather the connections that promote behind the scenes, such as connecting activists with lawyers, scientists and funders. Ultimately, it is important to build strong connections and actively work on conservation efforts. We hope that future ESP alumni will drive innovative solutions for global environmental governance.
