BLITZ BUREAU
INDIA has decided to sign and ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. This international treaty, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), aims to protect marine biodiversity in the high seas through international cooperation.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently approved India to sign the BBNJ Agreement.
This landmark decision marks a significant step towards the conservation and sustainable utilisation of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Often referred to as the ‘High Seas’, areas beyond national jurisdiction are the global common oceans open to all for internationally lawful purposes such as navigation, overflight, laying submarine cables and pipelines, etc.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences will spearhead the country’s implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. The BBNJ Agreement, or the ‘High Seas Treaty’, aims to address the growing concerns over the longterm protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas. It sets precise mechanisms for the sustainable use of marine biological diversity through international cooperation and coordination.
“India remains committed and proactive to the global cause of environmental conservation and sustainable development. We will be signing (the BBNJ Agreement) and are propitious of subsequently ratifying it through the necessary legislative processes” Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) said.
M Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, elaborating on the benefits for India, said, “The BBNJ Agreement allows us to enhance our strategic presence in areas beyond our EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), which is very promising. In addition to shared monetary benefits, it will further strengthen our marine conservation efforts and collaborations, open newer avenues for scientific research and development, access to samples, sequences and information, capacity building and technology transfer, etc., not just for us but for the benefit of the entire humankind”. He added that India signing the BBNJ Agreement is another crucial step towards ensuring that our oceans remain healthy and resilient
