Context:
India signed the High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, in September 2024, marking a major milestone in international ocean governance.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- About UN High Seas Treaty
- What are High Seas?
- Significance of the High Seas Treaty for India
About UN High Seas Treaty:
The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Agreement on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), represents a significant international effort to address environmental challenges in the high seas. Here are the key aspects and significance of the treaty:
Key Aspects of the High Seas Treaty:
- Legal Framework and Objectives:
- UNCLOS Framework: Operates under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), addressing gaps in the governance of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions.
- Conservation and Sustainability: Aims to reduce pollution, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable use of marine resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
- Key Objectives:
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Establishes MPAs to regulate activities and conserve marine ecosystems.
- Equitable Benefit-sharing: Ensures fair distribution of benefits from marine genetic resources, balancing scientific research and commercial exploitation.
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Mandates EIAs for activities with potential impacts on the marine environment, regardless of jurisdiction.
- Status of Adoption:
- International Support: As of June 2024, 91 countries have signed the treaty, with 8 having ratified it. It becomes legally binding 120 days after ratification by 60 countries.
Significance of the High Seas Treaty:
- Global Commons Stewardship:
- Addressing Environmental Challenges: Mitigates resource overexploitation, biodiversity loss, and pollution (e.g., plastic waste) in the high seas, covering 64% of the ocean.
- Comparative to Paris Agreement:
- Parallel to Climate Efforts: Likened to the Paris Agreement, the treaty aims to safeguard the oceans’ health and promote sustainable resource use.
- Alignment with UNCLOS:
- Implementing UNCLOS: Provides specific guidelines under UNCLOS principles for equitable resource usage and biodiversity protection.
- Managing Emerging Challenges:
- Deep-Sea Mining and Plastic Pollution: Addresses emerging threats like deep-sea mining, ocean acidification, and plastic pollution through robust governance.
- Institutional Framework and Cooperation:
- Enhanced International Cooperation: Establishes mechanisms for international cooperation and decision-making on ocean governance.
- Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Supports SDG 14 by promoting conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
Significance for India:
- Global Environmental Leadership:
- Commitment to Sustainability: Demonstrates India’s leadership in ocean governance and sustainability, particularly through initiatives like Marine Protected Areas.
- Economic and Strategic Benefits:
- Blue Economy Goals: Aligns with India’s Blue Economy aspirations, offering economic opportunities from marine genetic resources.
- Regional and International Positioning:
- Indo-Pacific Engagement: Strengthens India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, supporting a sustainable maritime environment through initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
What are High Seas?
High seas refer to the areas of the oceans that are beyond the national jurisdiction of any country. Here are some key points to note:
- The high seas begin at the border of countries’ exclusive economic zones beyond 370 km (200 nautical miles) from a country’s coastline and extend up to the outer limits of the continental shelf.
- All countries have the right to use the high seas for shipping, fishing, and scientific research.
- The high seas comprise more than 60% of the world’s oceans by surface area.
- Due to a lack of regulation and monitoring, activities on the high seas are often vulnerable to exploitation, making it important to protect them through international treaties and agreements.
Significance of the High Seas Treaty for India
The High Seas Treaty holds immense significance for India, particularly given its dependence on the blue economy and commitment to sustainable development. This international agreement aims to regulate activities on the high seas, fostering marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource use.
Economic Implications
- Contribution to the Economy:
- India’s blue economy contributes 4% of GDP, with sectors like eco-tourism, fisheries, and aquaculture supporting millions of jobs, especially in coastal states like Kerala.
- Protection Against Exploitation:
- Countries like India, with fleets primarily operating within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), face threats from overfishing and exploitation by foreign fleets in international waters.
- The treaty provides a framework to regulate fishing in international waters, ensuring sustainability and protecting local industries.
Support for Fisheries Sector
- Alignment with Domestic Initiatives:
- The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) aims to boost the fisheries sector through modernization and sustainable practices.
- Signing the treaty would reinforce these efforts by safeguarding fish stocks and fostering sustainable marine industries.
Environmental and Climate Resilience
- Marine Ecosystems as Carbon Sinks:
- The treaty’s focus on marine ecosystems as critical carbon sinks is vital for combating climate change.
- Healthy marine ecosystems act as natural buffers against:
- Coastal erosion.
- Extreme weather events.
- Rising sea levels.
- Nature-Based Solutions (NbS):
- Promotes initiatives like seascape restoration and the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
- Crucial for protecting coral reefs, which face collapse due to global warming.
- India’s participation could significantly support efforts to reverse coral reef decline.
Alignment with Global Commitments
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Ratifying the treaty aligns with:
- SDG 13: Climate Action.
- SDG 14: Life Below Water.
- Ratifying the treaty aligns with:
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
- Reinforces commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015).
- Key National Initiatives:
- Supports Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and the SAGAR Initiative (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
India’s Role as a Global Leader
- Leadership in Sustainability:
- Ratifying the treaty positions India as a key player in global efforts for marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
- Strengthening Diplomatic Standing:
- Demonstrates India’s proactive stance on international environmental and sustainability issues.
