BBNJ Treaty: High Seas Biodiversity Agreement Under UNCLOS
Why in the news
The BBNJ Treaty, meant to govern the high seas, is still short of the ratifications needed to take effect, and India has not yet ratified it.
About the treaty
- Third implementing agreement under UNCLOS.
- Protects marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
- Aims: conserve high seas biodiversity; share benefits of marine genetic resources fairly; require environmental impact assessments for activities in international waters.
- Applies beyond 200 nautical miles from national EEZs, roughly 64% of ocean area.
- India: signed, not ratified.
Why it is needed
- Protection gap: just 1.44% of high seas protected.
- Deep-sea mining, overfishing and marine pollution lack international rules.
- Growing biotech use of marine genetic resources needs governance.
- Equity: stops developed countries dominating ocean wealth.
Challenges
| Challenge | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ratification | 21 countries so far; 60 required |
| Geopolitics | South China Sea-type disputes slow consensus |
| Enforcement | Weak compliance tools; opt-out clauses |
| Treaty overlap | Possible clash with the Convention on Biological Diversity |
| Finance | Developing nations lack assured funding |
| Scope | Leaves out oil, gas and pollution inside EEZs |
Way forward
- Reach 60 ratifications before UNOC-3 in France.
- Inclusive governance with regional and scientific diversity.
- A dedicated fund for capacity building and technology transfer.
- Integrated management of high seas and EEZs; transparent digital monitoring tools.
Exam angle
- Full form: Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction.
- Ratification threshold: 60; current count: 21.