India inks ‘high Seas’ agreement to protect marine biodiversity

United Nations: India has signed an international agreement to protect marine biodiversity on the high seas, at the sideline of UNGA conference in New York.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar signed the pact formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement on Wednesday here.

The BBNJ Agreement, or 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 seeks to ensure that marine life is conserved and used in a sustainable manner on the high seas, which is beyond nations’ territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone that could extend up to 200 nautical miles or 370 km from the shores.

The area the agreement covers is about two-thirds of all the oceans. The agreement was about 20 years in the making before it was adopted internationally last year and it bans destructive fishing and pollution.

Under the agreement, countries cannot claim sovereign rights over marine resources on the high seas and it ensures equitable sharing of benefits from those resources.

S Jaishankar said on X, “India is proud to join the BBNJ Agreement, an important step towards ensuring that our oceans remain healthy and resilient.”

The Cabinet approved India’s participation in the agreement in July. Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Earth Sciences, said at that time, “India remains committed and proactive to the global cause of environmental conservation and sustainable development.”

Earth Sciences Secretary M. Ravichandran said, “The BBNJ Agreement allows us to enhance our strategic presence in areas beyond our Exclusive Economic Zone, which is very promising” and further strengthens our marine conservation efforts.

History of BBNJ

UNCLOS was adopted on December 10, 1982, and came into force on November 16, 1994. It is crucial for the environmental protection of the seas and addressing maritime boundaries, rights to marine resources, and dispute resolution.

The treaty 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.

The agreement 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.