Why in the news?
- Over 60 countries ratified the High Seas Treaty in September, paving the way for its enforcement beginning 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.