India Signs High Seas Treaty to Protect Marine Life

India has officially signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, known as the High Seas Treaty, which aims to promote the conservation of marine genetic resources and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the significance of the treaty in a post on X, stating that it represents a crucial step towards maintaining the health and resilience of oceans.

This international accord, established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), targets the high seas, which encompass nearly two-thirds (64%) of the ocean and are home to some of the most ecologically vital yet critically threatened areas on Earth.

Objectives of the Treaty

The BBNJ Agreement seeks to address urgent concerns regarding the long-term protection of marine biodiversity in high seas. It establishes precise mechanisms for sustainable use of marine biological diversity through international cooperation. The treaty prohibits parties from claiming or exercising sovereign rights over marine resources from the high seas, thereby ensuring fair sharing of benefits.

Integrated Approach and Precautionary Principle

The treaty adopts an inclusive, integrated, ecosystem-centric approach, prioritizing the precautionary principle. It promotes the use of traditional knowledge alongside the best available scientific knowledge to minimize impacts on the marine environment. Key provisions include area-based management tools and rules for conducting environmental impact assessments.

Progress and Implementation

Following five years of negotiations, the High Seas Treaty was reached in March 2023, marking a significant milestone in global biodiversity conservation efforts. The treaty will come into effect once ratified by at least 60 countries, providing a legal framework to address governance gaps in ocean management and offering a roadmap for conserving biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions.

According to the High Seas Alliance, this agreement represents the world’s first cohesive, international, and legally binding framework specifically aimed at protecting high seas biodiversity. In preparation for the treaty’s implementation, PK Srivastava, an advisor to the Union Earth Sciences Ministry, announced plans to establish a dedicated institutional mechanism to oversee developments related to the BBNJ Agreement. This authority will manage regulations, studies, and activities pertinent to the treaty, utilizing existing legislation, such as the Environment Protection Act, for environmental impact assessments.