Why is News :
- The UN Oceans Conference (UNOC) recently concluded in France with major progress on the High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. The treaty has now secured 56 of the required 60 ratifications, bringing it closer to enforcement.
About the BBNJ / High Seas Treaty:
- Objective: Protect biodiversity in international waters (high seas) beyond national jurisdiction (~two-thirds of ocean surface).
- Legal Status: Needs 60 ratifications to come into force (triggers a 120-day countdown).
- Key Features:
- Creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) beyond national jurisdiction.
- Conducting environmental impact assessments for high-seas activities.
- Regulation of marine genetic resources and equitable benefit sharing.
- Capacity-building and transfer of marine technology to developing nations.
- India’s Status: Has signed but not yet ratified the treaty.
Significance of BBNJ:
- Operationalizes the “30 by 30” global goal to protect 30% of oceans and coastal areas by 2030 under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
- Enables governance of global commons — waters that lie outside sovereign national control.
- Prevents deep-sea mining, overfishing, and unregulated genetic resource extraction.
- Fosters scientific research, fair access, and south-south cooperation in ocean governance.
Key Challenges in BBNJ Implementation:
- Equitable benefit sharing of marine genetic resources is unresolved.
- No binding ban on resource extraction; environmental groups fear loopholes.
- Need for financing and technological support for developing countries.
- Balancing economic interests vs. conservation ethics.
Major Outcomes of UNOC 2025:
Global Commitments & Investments:
- European Commission: €1 billion for ocean science, sustainable fishing.
- French Polynesia: World’s largest MPA (~5 million sq. km).
- New Zealand: $52 million for Pacific Islands’ ocean governance.
- Germany: €100 million for clearing WW-era munitions in Baltic/North Sea.
- Italy: €6.5 million for maritime surveillance.
Regional and Thematic Initiatives:
- High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean (led by Panama, Canada): Tackling noise pollution.
- Canada: $9 million for nature-based coastal climate resilience.
- Spain: Plans for five new MPAs — protect 25% of its marine territory.
- UN Agencies: Launch of One Ocean Finance — aim to mobilize funds from blue economy sectors.
Why It Matters for India:
- India has vast coastline and a strategic blue economy vision, but has not yet ratified the BBNJ.
- Delay in ratification may restrict India’s voice in COP-like decision-making for oceans.
- Opportunity for India to champion capacity-building, deep-sea exploration governance, and equitable benefit-sharing for Global South.
- Aligns with India’s commitments to sustainable development, climate adaptation, and marine biodiversity conservation.
| UPSC Relevance : GS Paper 2: International Relations GS Paper 3: Conservation, Environment, Global Commons Practice:Q. What is the significance of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement in the context of marine conservation and global environmental governance? What are the key challenges to its implementation? |