India’s Approval to Sign the BBNJ Agreement

Context

The Indian government has taken a significant step towards the conservation and sustainable utilization of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction by approving the signing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.

The BBNJ Agreement: An Overview

The BBNJ Agreement, also known as the ‘High Seas Treaty’, is an international legally binding instrument developed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It aims to address the growing concerns over the long-term protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas, which are areas beyond the national jurisdiction of any country.

The key objectives of the BBNJ Agreement are:

• To establish a comprehensive global regime for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

• To promote international cooperation and coordination in the management of marine resources in the high seas.

• To ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the utilization of marine genetic resources.
• To minimize the impact of human activities on the marine environment through the use of area-based management tools and environmental impact assessments.

India’s Approval to Sign the BBNJ Agreement

The Union Cabinet of India, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved India’s signing of the BBNJ Agreement. This decision marks a significant milestone in India’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development on a global scale.

The approval came during the Cabinet meeting held on July 2, 2024, and the Ministry of Earth Sciences will be responsible for spearheading the country’s implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

Benefits for India

India’s decision to sign the BBNJ Agreement is driven by several factors:

• Strengthening India’s Strategic Presence: The BBNJ Agreement will allow India to enhance its strategic presence in areas beyond its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which is seen as a promising opportunity. 
• Shared Monetary Benefits: By participating in the BBNJ Agreement, India will be able to access and share the monetary benefits derived from the utilization of marine genetic resources in the high seas. 
• Bolstering Marine Conservation Efforts: The BBNJ Agreement will further strengthen India’s marine conservation efforts and collaborations, contributing to the overall health and resilience of the world’s oceans. 
• Expanding Scientific Research and Development: The agreement will open new avenues for scientific research and development, access to samples, sequences, and information, as well as capacity building and technology transfer, not just for India but for the benefit of all humankind. 
• Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals: The BBNJ Agreement will contribute to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water). 

Key Provisions of the BBNJ Agreement

The BBNJ Agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Some of the key provisions include:

• Equitable Sharing of Benefits: The agreement ensures that the benefits derived from the utilization of marine genetic resources in the high seas are shared fairly and equitably among all parties. 
• Area-Based Management Tools: The BBNJ Agreement promotes the use of area-based management tools, such as marine protected areas, to minimize the impact of human activities on the marine environment. 
• Environmental Impact Assessments: The agreement sets guidelines for conducting environmental impact assessments to evaluate the potential effects of activities on the marine environment. 
• Incorporation of Traditional Knowledge: The BBNJ Agreement recognizes the importance of traditional knowledge and the need to integrate it with the best available scientific knowledge for the effective management of marine biodiversity. 
• Strengthening International Cooperation: The agreement emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and coordination in the management of marine resources in the high seas. 

Implementation and Way Forward

With the Union Cabinet’s approval, India will now proceed to sign the BBNJ Agreement, which is open for signature for two years starting September 2023. After signing, India will need to ratify the agreement through the necessary legislative processes to formally become a party to the treaty.

To ensure the effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, the Indian government is undertaking several measures:

• Capacity Building and Awareness: The government is training over 40 lakh grassroots functionaries, including police officers, to educate the public about the new agreement and its implications. 
• Nationwide Awareness Campaign: Various government entities are organizing activities on July 1, 2024, to raise awareness about the BBNJ Agreement and its key provisions. 
• Technological Advancements: The agreement also introduces provisions for the use of technology, such as online filing of complaints and electronic modes of communication, to enhance the efficiency of the implementation process. 

Conclusion

The Indian government’s approval to sign the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement represents a significant step towards the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. By participating in this global initiative, India aims to strengthen its strategic presence, access shared monetary benefits, bolster marine conservation efforts, and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals. As the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement progresses, it will be crucial for India to continue its proactive engagement and ensure the effective protection and management of the world’s oceans for the benefit of present and future generations.

Source: PIB

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. Which of the following statements about the BBNJ Agreement are correct?

1. The BBNJ Agreement is an international legally binding instrument developed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
2. The BBNJ Agreement aims to establish a comprehensive global regime for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
3. The BBNJ Agreement promotes the use of area-based management tools, such as marine protected areas, to minimize the impact of human activities on the marine environment.
4. The BBNJ Agreement ensures that the benefits derived from the utilization of marine genetic resources in the high seas are shared fairly and equitably among all parties.

Options:

a) 1, 2 and 3 only

b) 1, 2, 3 and 4

c) 2, 3 and 4 only

d) 1 and 4 only

Ans: “b”

Explanation:

All the statements provided are correct based on the information given in the search results:

1. The BBNJ Agreement is an international legally binding instrument developed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
2. The BBNJ Agreement aims to establish a comprehensive global regime for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
3. The BBNJ Agreement promotes the use of area-based management tools, such as marine protected areas, to minimize the impact of human activities on the marine environment.
4. The BBNJ Agreement ensures that the benefits derived from the utilization of marine genetic resources in the high seas are shared fairly and equitably among all parties.

Therefore, the correct answer is option b) 1, 2, 3 and 4.

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