Drivers of consensus‐based decision‐making in international environmental regimes: Lessons from the Southern Ocean

摘要: 1. The global environmental crisis (characterized by declines in biodiversity, transboundary pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change) has inspired international regimes, such as the Convention for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), to establish large‐scale networks marine protected areas (MPAs) beyond national jurisdiction. 2. Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica comprises roughly 10% ocean plays a crucial role regulating ecosystems. Although environment currently remains one most intact on Earth, it is threatened fishery expansion rapidly changing climate. In response, CCAMLR been developing representative network MPAs sustain ecosystem structure function, protect vulnerable human activities, conserve biodiversity. 3. Whereas significant research focused formal mechanisms state power very little known about non‐state actors informal approaches, particularly negotiation agreements MPAs. 4. Case analysis 2016 Ross Sea Region MPA agreement reveals that undergoing period learning institutional evolution, seek novel ways negotiate MPAs. Key drivers consensus include external political dynamics, internal leadership group shared concern future MPAs. 5. Actors also rely principles (such increasing transparency, trust, engaging dialogue) fill gaps both CCAMLR's current process negotiating MPAs. 6. As threats grow complexity scale, negotiations will become increasingly critical support ongoing success institutions dedicated protecting ecological integrity function environment.