High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement)

Context

At the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that India is in the process of ratifying the “Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)” Agreement, reaffirming the country’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal-14 (Life Below Water).

What is the BBNJ / High Seas Treaty?

The BBNJ Agreement is a legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
It focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ)—i.e., the high seas, which make up nearly two-thirds of the world's oceans.

Key Provisions of the Treaty:

Establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs).
Guidelines for environmental impact assessments (EIA) for ocean activities in ABNJ.
Equitable sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources (MGRs).
Capacity building and marine technology transfer, especially for developing countries.

India’s Position and Initiatives:

India has signed the BBNJ Agreement and is currently moving toward ratification.
India supports the Nice Ocean Action Panels, especially Panel-4, which targets reduction of land-based marine pollution.
India has proposed a Six-Point Strategy for clean oceans, aligning with SDG-14:
- Prevention of marine litter and land-based pollution.
- Conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems.
- Reduction of carbon emissions from maritime activities.
- Capacity building and partnerships for blue economy.
- R&D in marine biodiversity and deep sea mining.
- Financing mechanisms for ocean health initiatives.