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India Signs BBNJ Agreement to Protect Marine Life in High Seas
Context:
On September 25, 2024, India took a significant step in marine conservation by signing the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the “Treaty of the High Seas,” at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Key Highlights:
- Significance: The BBNJ Agreement focuses on conserving marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction (high seas), covering two-thirds of the world’s oceans.
- India’s Role: Signed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, this agreement strengthens India’s commitment to ocean health and sustainability.
- Global Context: The agreement aims to ensure equitable sharing of marine resources, ban destructive practices like overfishing, and reduce pollution in the high seas.
What is the BBNJ Agreement?
- Framework: It is an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- Main Goals:
- Conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity.
- Equitable sharing of marine resources among countries.
- Coverage: Protects areas starting 370 km from any country’s coast, encompassing 64% of global oceans.
Main Features of the Agreement:
- Marine Protected Areas: The agreement establishes guidelines for creating protected zones on the high seas.
- Sustainable Use: Prohibits claiming sovereign rights over marine resources and mandates sustainable use.
- Environmental Impact Assessments: Requires environmental assessments before activities are conducted in the high seas.
- Knowledge Integration: Encourages blending traditional knowledge with modern science for marine conservation.
Strategic Importance for India:
- Ministry of Earth Sciences: Will lead India’s implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
- Enhancing India’s Presence: The agreement enhances India’s strategic presence beyond its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and opens new opportunities for marine research and conservation.
- Strengthening SDG Efforts: Aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and supports the 30×30 target to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
Broader Global Impact:
- International Cooperation: Promotes global collaboration in managing marine genetic resources, environmental assessments, and technology transfers.
- Global Participation: Over 90 countries, including Australia, Canada, and EU nations, have signed the agreement, with 10 already ratifying it.
- Marine Protection Framework: Bans harmful activities like destructive fishing and pollution in international waters, ensuring the protection of biodiversity.
Implementation of Agreements:
- Third UNCLOS Implementation Agreement: The BBNJ Agreement will be the third implementation agreement under UNCLOS, following the 1994 Part XI (seabed mineral exploration) and 1995 UN Fish Stocks Agreement (migratory fish conservation).
- Timeline for Signing and Ratification: Adopted in March 2023, it is open for signature for two years starting September 2023 and will become legally binding 120 days after 60 countries ratify or approve it.
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
- Adoption & Enforcement: Adopted in 1982, came into force in 1994.
- Scope: Establishes a comprehensive legal framework for regulating the world’s oceans and seas, covering all ocean uses and resource management.
- International Seabed Authority: Created to oversee mining and related activities on the ocean floor in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
- Current Status: As of now, 101 countries have signed the agreement, and 10 have ratified it.
- Marine Conservation in India Biodiversity at Risk: India has over 2,492 marine species, with 50 of them considered threatened by the IUCN.
- Major threats include overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction.
- Conservation Efforts: The BBNJ Agreement offers India a framework to establish protected marine areas and improve conservation practices.
