APSC JDO 2025: BBNJ Treaty (High Seas Treaty)

• Third implementing agreement under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).
• Aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

---

Objectives

• Protect marine biodiversity on the high seas.
• Equitable benefit-sharing of Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs).
• Mandate Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for high-seas activities.

---

Coverage

• Applies to areas beyond 200 nautical miles (i.e., beyond EEZs).
• Covers 64% of global oceans.

---

India’s Status

• Signed the treaty.
• Not yet ratified (as of April 2025).

---

Need for the Treaty

• Only 1.44% of high seas protected despite their vastness.
• Unregulated activities: Deep-sea mining, overfishing, pollution.
• Commercial exploitation of MGRs without clear regulation.
• Addresses equity and prevents developed nations’ dominance over marine resources.

---

Challenges

• Low ratification: Only 21/60 countries have ratified.
• Geopolitical tensions (e.g., South China Sea, Bay of Bengal).
• Weak enforcement mechanisms and opt-out clauses.
• Overlap with other conventions (e.g., CBD on MGRs).
• Financial strain on developing countries (tech transfer, capacity-building lack binding commitments).
• Implementation gaps: Doesn’t cover oil/gas exploration or EEZ pollution.