Why in the news?

  • The BBNJ Treaty crossed the threshold of 60 ratifications, with Morocco and Sierra Leone becoming the 60th and 61st signatories respectively, paving  the way to enter into force in January 2026.

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ)

  • What is it?
    • Also called the High Seas Treaty.
    • A legally binding instrument under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).
    • Deals with conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in international waters (beyond territorial waters & EEZs).
    • Covers ~64% of the oceans, considered global commons.
  • Came into Force: June 2023 after 20 years of negotiations
  • Headquarters: New York
  • Objectives:
    • Establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the high seas (like national parks/wildlife reserves).
    • Ensure sustainable use of marine biodiversity & resources.
    • Regulate extractive activities (e.g., sea-bed mining).
    • Introduce mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) before major projects.
    • Provide for equitable benefit-sharing from marine genetic resources.
    • Strengthen global governance of oceans.
  • India’s Position:
    • Signed, but not yet ratified.
    • 55 countries ratified; treaty comes into force 120 days after 60th ratification.
    • India is drafting a domestic legislation to:
      • Build institutional capacity for marine EIAs.
      • Equip itself to utilize economic benefit-sharing provisions.
      • Align national interests with treaty obligations.
  • Significance:
    • Balances freedom of navigation, overflight, fishing, infrastructure (undersea cables), and mineral extraction with conservation duties.
    • Protects marine ecosystems against pollution, overfishing, and excessive exploitation.
    • Builds a framework for blue economy opportunities while safeguarding biodiversity.
  • Challenges:
    • Ratification delay: Global target not yet reached.
    • Capacity gaps: Need scientific, legal, and institutional frameworks for EIAs and benefit-sharing.
    • Geopolitical rivalries: Conflicts in high seas (e.g., deep-sea mining, navigation rights).
    • Overlap with other conventions: CBD, regional fisheries treaties, etc.