CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
Despite mounting international pressure, including from the host nation France, India is reportedly hesitant to ratify the United Nations High Seas Treaty during the ongoing UN Ocean Conference. This decision highlights India’s cautious approach to new international frameworks that impact ocean governance, even as global momentum builds around the treaty's adoption.
Understanding UN High Seas Treaty
The UN High Seas Treaty, officially titled the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), marks a historic step in global efforts to safeguard ocean ecosystems. It is the first legally binding international agreement dedicated to protecting marine biodiversity in international waters, also known as the high seas.
These regions, which lie beyond the jurisdiction of any single country, comprise nearly half of the Earth’s surface and cover over two-thirds of the global ocean area. The treaty aims to close critical regulatory gaps that have allowed unchecked exploitation of marine resources in these areas.
Background: Built On UNCLOS Framework
The treaty is an extension of principles established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signed in 1982. While UNCLOS laid the foundation for maritime law and designated the high seas as global commons, it lacked strong mechanisms to address marine biodiversity protection beyond national borders. The BBNJ treaty seeks to fill this void.
Key Objectives And Scope
The primary goal of the UN High Seas Treaty is to create a legal structure for the protection, sustainable use, and fair governance of marine biodiversity in international waters. It emphasizes equitable access, scientific cooperation, and global solidarity in managing these shared resources.
Major Provisions Of Treaty
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) - The treaty empowers nations and international bodies to designate and manage MPAs in international waters. These areas aim to conserve fragile ecosystems, endangered species, and mitigate the impacts of human activities such as overfishing and deep-sea mining.
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) - The treaty mandates thorough EIAs for activities—such as drilling, exploration, or industrial fishing—that may have adverse impacts on marine biodiversity in the high seas. This requirement extends even if the project originates within national waters but affects areas beyond jurisdiction.
Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs) - A key component of the treaty is the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from MGRs. These include biological materials from marine organisms, especially microorganisms and deep-sea species, which are often used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biotechnology. The treaty ensures that profits from such discoveries are not monopolized by a few nations or corporations.
Capacity Building and Technology Transfer - To promote inclusivity, the treaty provides for technical assistance, funding, and knowledge sharing with developing countries. This enables them to participate effectively in marine research, conservation, and sustainable resource utilization.
India’s Position And Concerns
India’s reluctance to ratify the treaty at this stage appears to stem from multiple strategic concerns:
Sovereignty and Strategic Autonomy: India is cautious about endorsing treaties that might affect its freedom of navigation, economic interests, or its naval presence in international waters.
Equity and Technological Barriers: Indian officials have expressed concern over potential inequities in access to marine genetic resources and advanced marine technologies, which are currently dominated by wealthier nations.
Implementation and Monitoring Challenges: Effective monitoring and enforcement of MPAs or EIAs in vast high-seas territories could be logistically complex and financially burdensome for developing countries like India.
Despite these reservations, India continues to engage constructively in global forums on ocean governance and may consider ratification at a later stage after thorough evaluation.
Global Outlook
The UN High Seas Treaty was finalized in 2023 after nearly two decades of negotiations. It has been hailed as a landmark in international environmental diplomacy and is seen as critical for achieving the goals of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. Over 70 nations have signed the treaty so far, and several are in advanced stages of ratification.
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