Why in the news?

  • The Ministry of Earth Sciences has set up a 12-member drafting committe to prepare the contours of the new law in accordance with the provisions of High Sea Treaty.

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.