India to sign “High Sea Treaty” to conserve marine biodiversity

India has decided to sign and ratify the United Nations’ Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, to conserve the marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

The BBNJ Agreement, also known as the ‘High Seas Treaty’, is an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It aims to address the growing concerns over the long-term protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas.

The agreement sets precise mechanisms for the sustainable use of marine biological diversity through international cooperation and coordination.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences will spearhead the country’s implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

Speaking about the development, Union Minister for Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh said “India remains committed and proactive to the global cause of environmental conservation and sustainable development. We will be signing (the BBNJ Agreement) and are propitious of subsequently ratifying it through the necessary legislative processes”.

Often referred to as the ‘High Seas’, areas beyond national jurisdiction are the global common oceans open to all for internationally lawful purposes such as navigation, overflight, laying submarine cables and pipelines.
He added that India signing the BBNJ Agreement is another crucial step towards ensuring that our oceans remain healthy and resilient.

Under the agreement, Parties cannot claim or exercise sovereign rights over marine resources derived from the high seas and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits.

It helps minimise impacts on the marine environment through area-based management tools and establishes rules for conducting environmental impact assessments.

It would also contribute to achieving several SDGs, particularly SDG14 (Life Below Water). UNCLOS was adopted on December 10, 1982, and came into force on November 16, 1994.

It establishes the International Seabed Authority to regulate mining and related activities on the ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction.

As of today, more than 160 countries have ratified UNCLOS. It is vital to maintaining order, equity, and fairness in using the world’s oceans.

The BBNJ Agreement was agreed upon in March 2023 and is open for signature for two years starting September 2023.

It will be an international legally binding treaty after it enters force 120 days after the 60th ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. As of June 2024, 91 countries have signed the BBNJ Agreement, and eight Parties have ratified it.