Description

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:

India’s signing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement has earned praise but also drawn scepticism on account of structural complexities and challenges.

Details:

India’s recent signing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement — better known as the High Seas Treaty.

About the High Seas Treaty

The High Seas Treaty or the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement depicts a remarkable achievement in the continuous efforts to protect marine biodiversity and enhance the global governance of the oceans.

The BBNJ Treaty seeks to address these four issues:

Marine genetic resources, including the fair and equitable sharing of benefits
Measures, such as area-based management tools, including Marine Protected Areas
Environmental impact assessments
Capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology

Moreover, the BBNJ Treaty aligns with global biodiversity goals, such as the commitment to protect 30% of the world’s land, inland waters and sea by 2030, set during the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework meeting in 2022.

Opportunities and Challenges for India:

India's Strategic Reach	India's involvement in the BBNJ Agreement fortifies its position in international maritime governance and expands its strategic reach beyond of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Marine Resource Conservation	Through scientific collaboration, the BBNJ Agreement advances knowledge of marine ecosystems and aids India in conserving its marine resources, which is consistent with its sustainable development objectives.
Marine Science and Technology	Promotes the growth of marine science, giving India access to vital information and chances for technical advancement to address environmental issues.
Capacity Building	Make capacity building a priority, especially for developing nations. India encourages regional cooperation by supporting fair benefit-sharing and the empowerment of weaker countries.
Multilateralism in Ocean Governance	India's involvement in ocean governance enhances multilateralism, raises its profile internationally, and promotes sustainability and innovation.
Economic Growth Opportunities	Opportunities for ecotourism, sustainable fishing, and bioprospecting in high seas Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are made possible by India's participation.
Challenges in Ratification	Slow ratification process (60 countries required), with geopolitical issues, especially in maritime disputes like the South China Sea, affecting progress.
Economic Interests vs. Environmental Protection	Balancing sectors like fishing, seabed mining, and coastal energy production with conservation efforts to avoid economic conflict and protect livelihoods.
Capacity Building & Technology Transfer	In addition to guaranteeing efficient technology transfer free from excessive limitations, India requires investment in research, monitoring, and enforcement capabilities.
Marine Genetic Resources (MGR)	MGR regulation is essential because India needs a plan to control equitable access to marine genetic material for biotechnology industries while striking a balance between equitable use and global demand.
Monitoring and Enforcement	India needs improved surveillance and international cooperation to combat illegal fishing, enforce regulations, and monitor the vast high seas.
Equitable Benefit Sharing	Developing nations like India are empowered to conduct marine research and conservation thanks to the BBNJ Treaty, which encourages the equitable and cooperative sharing of benefits from marine resources.

Way forward:

Addressing Structural Gaps	A cohesive maritime governance framework is needed to address structural and political limitations of the High Seas Treaty. High-seas and coastal regulations must be integrated.
Coastal States and Global South	Coastal states, especially in the Global South, need incentives to align domestic laws with international norms. Wealthier nations should provide technical and financial support.
Collective Collaboration at International Level	A collective political commitment is essential to achieve the treaty's objectives. It includes consensus on issues like MPAs and marine genetic resources, along with enforceable compliance mechanisms.
Risk of Ineffectiveness	Without these measures, the BBNJ could become ineffective in addressing the challenges facing the world's oceans.

Conclusion:

The High Seas Treaty aims to protect oceans as a global resource, but its success relies on overcoming structural, geopolitical, and enforcement challenges. Bridging the gap between ambition and action is important, requiring global cooperation and shared responsibility to safeguard marine ecosystems for future generations.

Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Discuss the key provisions of the High Seas Treaty and its significance in global marine conservation efforts. Also, elaborate on the challenges and role that India plays in the successful implementation of this treaty. (250 words)