Score:
6.5/10
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Topper’s Copy
GS2
International Relations
10 marks
What are Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs)? Explain why their regulation under the High Seas Treaty is a matter of global concern.
Student’s Answer
Evaluation by SuperKalam
Demand of the Question
- Definition of Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs)
- Explanation of why MGR regulation under High Seas Treaty is a global concern
What you wrote:
Marine Genetic resources are the genetic materials found in the marine organisms that possess actual or potential value. This includes microorganisms, plants and animals living in oceans. Their genes may have applications in biotechnology, medicine, agriculture and industry, such as in developing new drugs, enzymes and biofuels.
The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, was adopted by the United Nations in 2023 to protect the marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction - which cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean.
Marine Genetic resources are the genetic materials found in the marine organisms that possess actual or potential value. This includes microorganisms, plants and animals living in oceans. Their genes may have applications in biotechnology, medicine, agriculture and industry, such as in developing new drugs, enzymes and biofuels.
The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, was adopted by the United Nations in 2023 to protect the marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction - which cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could strengthen by briefly mentioning the economic scale or significance (e.g., global marine biotechnology market valued at over $6 billion, with MGRs contributing to cancer treatments like cytarabine derived from Caribbean sponges)
What you wrote:
Regulations under the High Seas Treaty are a global concern.
1. The high seas which lie beyond national jurisdiction, are considered the common heritage of human kind.
2. Without regulations, the "genetic gold rush" of the oceans may widen the gap between rich and poor nations.
3. The treaty seeks to clarify how benefits from commercial use - like pharmaceuticals derived from marine species - should be shared globally.
4. Bioprospecting (searching for valuable genetic materials) and deep-sea crop explorations can damage fragile marine ecosystems.
5. Sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity are central goals of High Seas treaty.
6. Before the treaty, no comprehensive legal framework existed to regulate access to MGRs in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
7. The treaty introduces transparency, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and environmental safeguards, aligning with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Regulations under the High Seas Treaty are a global concern.
1. The high seas which lie beyond national jurisdiction, are considered the common heritage of human kind.
2. Without regulations, the "genetic gold rush" of the oceans may widen the gap between rich and poor nations.
3. The treaty seeks to clarify how benefits from commercial use - like pharmaceuticals derived from marine species - should be shared globally.
4. Bioprospecting (searching for valuable genetic materials) and deep-sea crop explorations can damage fragile marine ecosystems.
5. Sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity are central goals of High Seas treaty.
6. Before the treaty, no comprehensive legal framework existed to regulate access to MGRs in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
7. The treaty introduces transparency, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and environmental safeguards, aligning with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Suggestions to improve:
- Could explain technological disparities (e.g., only 10 countries account for 98% of marine genetic patents, with top corporations like BASF holding significant MGR-based patents, creating access inequities)
- Can add treaty mechanisms like mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments for MGR activities and establishment of clearing-house mechanism for information sharing under BBNJ
- Could reference specific cases like anti-cancer compounds from deep-sea organisms being patented by developed nations without benefit-sharing to origin countries
What you wrote:
Marine genetic resources pose immense promise for scientific and economic innovation but also hold ethical and legal challenges regarding ownership, equity and conservation. Their regulations under High Sea treaty represent a balancing act between innovation, environmental protection and global justice, ensuring that benefits of ocean biodiversity are shared fairly among all nations.
Marine genetic resources pose immense promise for scientific and economic innovation but also hold ethical and legal challenges regarding ownership, equity and conservation. Their regulations under High Sea treaty represent a balancing act between innovation, environmental protection and global justice, ensuring that benefits of ocean biodiversity are shared fairly among all nations.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could link to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and mention the treaty's role in achieving 30x30 ocean protection targets established at COP15
Well-structured answer with good foundational understanding and ethical dimensions covered. However, body lacks specific examples, treaty mechanisms, and deeper analysis of capacity-building needs. Strengthen with concrete data and implementation details.
Demand of the Question
- Definition of Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs)
- Explanation of why MGR regulation under High Seas Treaty is a global concern
What you wrote:
Marine Genetic resources are the genetic materials found in the marine organisms that possess actual or potential value. This includes microorganisms, plants and animals living in oceans. Their genes may have applications in biotechnology, medicine, agriculture and industry, such as in developing new drugs, enzymes and biofuels.
The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, was adopted by the United Nations in 2023 to protect the marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction - which cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean.
Marine Genetic resources are the genetic materials found in the marine organisms that possess actual or potential value. This includes microorganisms, plants and animals living in oceans. Their genes may have applications in biotechnology, medicine, agriculture and industry, such as in developing new drugs, enzymes and biofuels.
The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, was adopted by the United Nations in 2023 to protect the marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction - which cover nearly two-thirds of the ocean.
Suggestions to improve:
- Could strengthen by briefly mentioning the economic scale or significance (e.g., global marine biotechnology market valued at over $6 billion, with MGRs contributing to cancer treatments like cytarabine derived from Caribbean sponges)
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