Why in News? India has decided to sign and ratify the High Seas Treaty, a significant global agreement aimed at the conservation
and protection of biodiversity in the oceans. This treaty, negotiated in March 2023, is also known as the agreement on
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ).
- What’s in Today’s Article?
- High Seas
- Need for UN High Seas Treaty
- UN High Seas Treaty
- Status of the Treaty
- India to Sign, Ratify High Seas Treaty
High Seas
- Definition: The high seas are parts of the ocean not included in the exclusive economic zones, territorial sea, or internal
waters of a state. They are beyond 200 nautical miles from the coast of a country. - Management: No single nation has sole responsibility for the management of the high seas.
Need for UN High Seas Treaty
- Biodiversity: The high seas cover 64% of the ocean surface and about 43% of the Earth, home to approximately 2.2 million
marine species and up to a trillion microorganisms. - Global Climate: Oceans play a crucial role in the global climate cycle, absorbing carbon dioxide and excess heat.
- Unregulated Activities: Climate change and human activities are exerting pressure on marine biodiversity, necessitating
regulatory measures. - UNCLOS Limitations: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) does not provide specific mechanisms
for ocean ecology protection and resource conservation.
UN High Seas Treaty
- Agreed Under UNCLOS: Also known as the agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions (BBNJ), this treaty was
negotiated to provide legal protections for the high seas. - UNCLOS Overview: Adopted by the UN in 1982 and in force since 1994, UNCLOS establishes a framework for ocean and
resource management. - Legally Binding: The treaty will be legally binding once ratified.
Key Provisions:
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Designated areas where ocean systems are stressed, with activities highly regulated
to ensure conservation. - Sustainable Use of Marine Genetic Resources: Ensures equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic research and
prevents strong IP controls. - Environmental Impact Assessments: Required for significant activities in the high seas, with results shared
internationally. - Capacity Building and Technology Transfer: Helps small island states and landlocked nations participate in
conservation efforts. - Creation of a New Body: To manage conservation and establish MPAs.
Status of the Treaty
- Ratification Requirement: The treaty will become international law 120 days after at least 60 countries submit their
ratification documents. - Current Status: 91 countries have signed the treaty, but only eight have ratified it.