Source: Down to Earth

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Context

• The IUCN calls for global action to support the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty, aiming to regulate and protect nearly half of the planet's surface through international law, enhancing marine conservation.

Details

Key Points

• High Seas Biodiversity Treaty:
  • The treaty aims to regulate and protect international waters, requiring ratification by 60 countries to become law.
• IUCN Advocacy:
  • IUCN Director General Grethel Aguilar emphasizes the need for global support in ratifying the treaty and increasing signatories.
• Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium:
  • IUCN advocates for a moratorium on deep-sea mining to protect ocean biodiversity.
• Current Status:
  • As of now, only seven countries have ratified the treaty, with India yet to sign or ratify.
• Global Significance:
  • The treaty, adopted by the UN, seeks to prevent the overexploitation of fish stocks and promote sustainable practices.

About IUCN

Global Authority on Nature Conservation:

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global authority on nature conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Scientific Data and Analysis:

• IUCN provides scientific data and analysis to guide conservation efforts and inform policy decisions.

Environmental Laws and Treaties:

• It supports the creation and implementation of environmental laws and treaties to protect ecosystems and biodiversity.

Advocacy for Biodiversity Protection:

• IUCN advocates for the protection of biodiversity through various global initiatives and partnerships, promoting conservation at an international level.

Species Conservation Status:

• IUCN's work includes conducting assessments of species' conservation status, which are published in the IUCN Red List, a critical tool for understanding species' extinction risks.

About BBNJ Agreement

High Seas Treaty Overview:

• The BBNJ Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, aims to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdictions.

Formal Adoption and Signatures:

• It was formally adopted by governments in June 2023 and opened for signatures in September 2023.

Ratification Requirement:

• The treaty requires ratification by at least 60 countries to become international law.

About World Ocean Day

Annual Observance:

• World Ocean Day is observed annually on June 8 to raise awareness about ocean conservation.

Global Action Promotion:

• It promotes global action to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

About Conservation of High Seas

Biodiversity and Protection:

• The high seas are outside national jurisdictions and contain rich biodiversity, yet remain largely unprotected.

High Seas Biodiversity Treaty:

• The High Seas Biodiversity Treaty seeks to enhance legal protections and sustainable management of these areas.

Environmental Laws and Treaties:

• It supports the creation and implementation of environmental laws and treaties to protect ecosystems and biodiversity.

​Sources:

Down to Earth

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements regarding the High Seas Treaty: 1.The High Seas Treaty aims to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdictions. 2.The treaty was formally adopted by governments in June 2023 and opened for signatures in September 2023. 3.The treaty requires ratification by at least 100 countries to become international law. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: a)