Navigating Challenges and Opportunities: India’s Commitment to the High Seas Treaty
India’s Commitment to the High Seas Treaty
The world’s oceans, vast and enigmatic, are home to extraordinary biodiversity. They regulate the climate, provide food for billions, and host countless ecosystems that sustain life on Earth. However, these oceans face mounting threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Recognising the urgency of protecting international waters, the High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, was developed to safeguard marine biodiversity and establish equitable ocean governance. India’s recent signing of the treaty has been hailed as a landmark decision, yet maritime experts express both optimism and scepticism regarding its effectiveness amidst global complexities.
What is the High Seas Treaty?
The High Seas Treaty is a pioneering framework under the United Nations aimed at protecting areas of the ocean beyond national jurisdiction. Covering nearly half of Earth’s surface, these “high seas” have remained largely unregulated, vulnerable to unsustainable exploitation. The treaty revolves around three main objectives: conserving marine biodiversity, ensuring the fair distribution of benefits from marine genetic resources, and mandating environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for activities with potential ecological harm. By addressing these gaps, the treaty aspires to create a balanced approach between conservation and resource use.
Despite its promise, the treaty’s scope is limited to the high seas, overlooking the interconnectedness between these areas and coastal zones. Activities in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), such as pollution and overfishing, often spill into international waters, affecting marine ecosystems. As a result, experts argue for a more comprehensive framework that integrates high-seas governance with coastal regulations.
India’s Role in the Treaty
India’s decision to sign the High Seas Treaty demonstrates its commitment to global marine conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources. With its extensive coastline and dependence on marine ecosystems for food security and economic growth, India has a vital stake in the treaty’s objectives. The country’s active participation in negotiations reflects its growing leadership in environmental diplomacy.
However, balancing international commitments with domestic priorities poses a challenge. Coastal communities, particularly in regions like the Bay of Bengal, rely heavily on fishing for their livelihoods. Conservation measures, such as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), may limit access to critical resources, fuelling apprehensions about economic repercussions. For India, ensuring that the treaty’s implementation does not disproportionately burden vulnerable populations will be crucial.
Challenges Facing the High Seas Treaty
The High Seas Treaty is ambitious but fraught with structural and political challenges. First, its implementation depends on the ratification by at least 60 countries; currently, only 14 have done so, reflecting a lack of global consensus. Disputes over maritime territories, such as in the South China Sea, further complicate the designation of MPAs and collective action.
Wealthier nations’ dominance in marine genetic research also raises concerns about fairness. While the treaty mandates the sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources, weak accountability mechanisms allow developed countries to underreport their activities, undermining equitable distribution. Additionally, low- and middle-income countries face barriers to accessing technology and expertise, perpetuating existing inequalities in ocean governance.
Another critical issue is the treaty’s weak enforcement framework. Although it requires EIAs for high-seas activities, the lack of robust oversight mechanisms leaves room for non-compliance. This gap is particularly problematic in regions with limited institutional capacities, where harmful practices like unregulated fishing or deep-sea mining could persist unchecked.
Recommendations for Improvement
To enhance the High Seas Treaty’s effectiveness, several measures should be considered:
- Integrated Governance Framework: The treaty should link high-seas governance with EEZ regulations to address the ecological interconnectedness of marine ecosystems. This holistic approach would ensure that activities in coastal areas do not undermine conservation efforts in international waters.
- Incentives for Coastal States: Coastal nations, especially in the Global South, require support to align domestic laws with international standards. Offering financial aid, access to sustainable fishing technologies, and capacity-building initiatives can motivate these countries to participate actively in conservation efforts.
- Support from Wealthier Nations: Developed countries must provide technical expertise and funding to assist poorer nations in implementing the treaty. This includes investing in marine research infrastructure and supporting alternative livelihoods for communities affected by conservation measures.
- Stronger Enforcement Mechanisms: Establishing independent oversight bodies to review EIAs and monitor compliance is essential. Sanctions for non-compliance and incentives for adherence would strengthen accountability and foster trust among nations.
- Equitable Resource Sharing: Transparent mechanisms for sharing benefits from marine genetic resources should be implemented to prevent exploitation by wealthier nations. A global fund with clear guidelines for contribution and distribution could address this issue.
Why the High Seas Treaty Matters
The High Seas Treaty represents a critical opportunity to address the growing threats to ocean health. It offers a framework to prevent further degradation of marine ecosystems, protect endangered species, and ensure sustainable use of ocean resources. For India, the treaty aligns with its broader environmental goals and enhances its role in shaping global policies.
However, the treaty’s success depends on bridging the gap between ambition and action. Building consensus among nations, reconciling conservation with economic interests, and addressing structural gaps are imperative to achieving its objectives. By fostering collaboration and ensuring inclusivity, the treaty can pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for the oceans.
Conclusion
India’s signing of the High Seas Treaty marks an important milestone in global ocean governance. While the treaty offers a promising framework for conserving marine biodiversity and ensuring fair resource sharing, its implementation faces significant hurdles. Geopolitical rivalries, weak enforcement mechanisms, and the interconnected nature of marine ecosystems underscore the complexities of translating its goals into reality.
The oceans are a shared global resource, vital for life on Earth. Protecting them requires collective action and unwavering commitment from all nations. By addressing the treaty’s shortcomings and fostering international cooperation, the world can take a significant step toward safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations. For India, balancing domestic needs with global responsibilities will be key to its success as a leader in ocean conservation. With strengthened resolve and collaborative efforts, the High Seas Treaty can become a powerful instrument for ensuring a healthier, more sustainable planet.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
