India unlikely to ratify ‘High Seas Treaty’ at U.N. Ocean Conference, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• India signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement in 2024 but has not yet ratified it.
• Ratification is delayed due to pending amendments to the Biological Diversity Act, which require parliamentary approval.
• 49 countries have ratified the treaty so far; it requires 60 ratifications to come into legal force.
• Contentious issues include the equitable sharing of marine genetic resources from the high seas.
• India showcased its Samudrayaan mission, ban on single-use plastics, and SAHAV ocean data portal at the conference.
• India also reiterated support for a Global Plastics Treaty and $80 billion investment in the Blue Economy.

Detailed Insights:

• India’s ratification delay reflects the legal and procedural challenges in harmonising domestic laws with emerging global environmental agreements.
• The BBNJ treaty aims to govern the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdictions, which comprise nearly half of the Earth’s surface.
• The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 must be amended to allow compliance with BBNJ obligations, particularly in marine genetic resource access and benefit sharing.
• The high seas are rich in biodiversity and untapped genetic material, yet they fall outside any national control, creating complex issues around resource ownership and fairness.
• Launch of SAHAV (Smart Access to High-value Aquatic Variables) showcases India’s effort to enhance marine data transparency and collaboration.
• India’s stance underscores a balance between sovereign legislative readiness and global environmental leadership.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• BBNJ (High Seas Treaty): A UN agreement to conserve and manage marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Maritime zone extending up to 200 nautical miles from a nation’s coastline, beyond which lies the high seas.
• Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs): Biological materials from marine organisms used in pharmaceuticals, biotech, etc.
• Samudrayaan: India’s manned deep-sea submersible mission under Deep Ocean Mission, targeting 6,000 m depth.
• Blue Economy: Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, livelihoods, and ecosystem health.

Mains Mock Question:
Discuss the significance of the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) for global marine governance. Evaluate India’s preparedness for its ratification and the challenges associated with aligning domestic legislation with international obligations.