Context
India has recently taken a significant step towards marine conservation by signing the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. This international treaty aims to protect marine biodiversity in the high seas, which constitute about two-thirds of the world’s oceans and are beyond national jurisdiction. The signing took place at the United Nations General Assembly, marking a pivotal moment in global environmental governance.
Background of the BBNJ Agreement
The BBNJ Agreement has been under negotiation since 2004 and has been adopted in 2023. It comes under international law under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea’s rule, which captures a complete set of provisions for the regulation of the sea. The measure aims at the responsible management and protection of the sea creatures; key concerns include; depletion, contamination and loss of their natural dwelling places.
Key Features of the Agreement
- Sustainable Use of Marine Resources: The BBNJ Agreement established that the sustainable method should be applied every time the world turns to the use of marine resources. It will also ban damaging fishing techniques that are relevant to pollution of these international waters.
- Equitable Sharing of Benefits: An important precondition of the treaty is the absence of state jurisdiction over marine resources in the high seas. This contributes to the establishment of standards on the distribution of all the benefits, which derive from these resources among the various nations.
- Protection Against Destructive Practices: The treaty prohibits the use of destructive fishing gear and poisonous substances, which prevent the deterioration of the ocean for the next generation.
India’s Commitment to Marine Conservation
Participation in this agreement shows India was willing to jeopardise its commitments to environmental conservation globally. The External Affairs Minister said it was an honor to accede to the BBNJ Agreement, as it will help protect healthy and productive oceans.
Government Support
The Indian government approved the entry into the BBNJ Agreement in July of 2024 after various ministries endorsed its support. Minister of State for Earth Sciences, it was made clear how India continues to be committed to environment protection and sustainable development during this approval process.
Strategic Implications
With the signing of this BBNJ Agreement, India is empowered and can expand its strategic posture well beyond its EEZ. This is particularly of great potential for India, as it attempts to scale up its marine conservation impacts and ensure that it is attending to several SDGs, including SDG 14 that deals with life below water.
Global Context
The BBNJ Agreement is a part of a global process aimed at the rational use of sea resources. Currently, 101 countries have joined the agreement, 10 of them having provided the respective ratifications. Once the treaty receives 60 ratifications it will become legally binding, and that once the treaty is in force, it will take 120 days to come into force.
Challenges Ahead
Nonetheless, some barriers are apparent regarding the effective utilisation of the BBNJ Agreement for achieving the desired goals. Collective efforts of nations are expected since national governments will be implementing the treaty’s provisions to address emerging issues on climate change,:border consolidation, pollution among others that have continued to put pressure on marine life.
Conclusion
The particular decision to join the BBNJ Agreement reflects India’s strong commitment to the conservation of marine organisms in the high seas. We can only hope that as countries unite under this approach, better stewardship of oceanic resources will be achieved, resources that are central to the productivity of the earth’s ecosystem, the global food supply, and world economy. The smooth running of this agreement will need the sustained effort of all the parties that signed it to ensure that oceans are protected for generations to come.
Source: DTE