A second dialogue meeting, jointly organised by UBA and IASS, took place at IASS on November 15, 2016. 21 participants from science, ministries and advisory bodies, NGOs and other stakeholders discussed the ‘Common Heritage of Mankind’ Principle in context with the globally adopted sustainability agenda (UN Agenda 2030). The issue was whether and if yes how the implementation of the Principle could be adjusted to today´s need for a balanced approach to ecosystem protection and use.