Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement – High Seas Treaty

Why in News?

India is drafting a new law to safeguard its interests in international waters under the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement). A 12-member committee will align the legislation with treaty provisions on marine conservation, resource use, impact assessments, and benefit-sharing.

Description:

• Nature: International legally binding treaty under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS-1982).
• Objective: Conservation & sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (High Seas & International Seabed).
• Entry into Force: 120 days after the 60th ratification.

Key Features:

1. Scope: Covers ~2/3rd of the global ocean (high seas).
2. Core Principles:
   1. Precautionary principle.
   1. Ecosystem-based approach.
   1. Fair & equitable sharing of benefits.
   1. Use of traditional knowledge + best available science.
3. Mechanisms:
   1. Area-based management tools (ABMTs) → Marine protected areas in high seas.
   1. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) → For human activities affecting marine ecosystems.
   1. Benefit Sharing → Equitable sharing of marine genetic resources (MGRs).
   1. Capacity Building & Marine Technology Transfer → For developing countries.
4. Relation with UNCLOS:
   1. Becomes third implementation agreement under UNCLOS.
   1. Earlier ones:
      1. 1994 Agreement (deep seabed mining).
      1. 1995 UN Fish Stocks Agreement.

Significance:

• First-ever treaty to protect high seas biodiversity.
• Supports SDG-14 (Life Below Water).
• Balances conservation with sustainable use of marine resources.
• Helps address threats: overfishing, deep-sea mining, climate change impacts.

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