India Signs High Seas Treaty to Protect Marine Life
India officially signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, known as the High Seas Treaty, which aims to promote the conservation of marine genetic resources and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the significance of the treaty, stating that it represents a crucial step towards maintaining the health and resilience of oceans.
This international accord, established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), targets the high seas, which encompass nearly two-thirds (64%) of the ocean and are home to some of the most ecologically vital yet critically threatened areas on Earth.
The BBNJ Agreement seeks to address urgent concerns regarding the long-term protection of marine biodiversity in high seas. It establishes precise mechanisms for sustainable use of marine biological diversity through international cooperation. The treaty prohibits parties from claiming or exercising sovereign rights over marine resources from the high seas, thereby ensuring fair sharing of benefits.