Daily Current Affairs : 7-July-2023
Recently, the United Nations adopted the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) or the High Seas Treaty, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to protect our oceans. This treaty became the third agreement to be approved under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), following the establishment of the International Seabed Authority and the Fish Stocks agreement in 1994 and 1995, respectively. The primary aim of the High Seas Treaty is to implement international regulations that ensure the protection of life in oceans beyond national jurisdiction through enhanced international cooperation.
Understanding the High Seas
The high seas, as defined by international law, encompass all parts of the ocean that are not included in a country’s exclusive economic zone, territorial sea, internal waters, or archipelagic waters. These areas are not directly owned or regulated by any country and are collectively known as areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). While coastal countries typically control the 200 nautical miles of ocean extending from their coasts, the high seas refer to the ocean water column that lies beyond the boundaries of any one country.
Significance of the High Seas
The high seas cover more than half of the Earth’s surface and approximately 61% of all oceans, yet only 1% of international waters are currently protected. The economic significance of the high seas cannot be overstated, as the resources derived from the ocean sustain nearly 3 billion people worldwide. The sea industry as a whole is valued at a staggering $3 trillion (€2.8 trillion), representing 5% of the world’s gross domestic product. Additionally, the high seas hold immense medicinal significance, with various marine organisms providing potential sources for life-saving drugs.
For example, agents used in the fight against leukemia are derived from a shallow water sponge called Tectitethya crypta found in the Caribbean, and the poison of the fish-eating sea snail Conus magus is being explored for its potential as an effective painkiller.
Overview of the High Seas Treaty
Often referred to as the ‘Paris Agreement for the Ocean,’ the High Seas Treaty is a legally binding agreement that specifically addresses Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction. The treaty has been under discussion for several years and aims to regulate activities in the ocean existing beyond the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) established under UNCLOS. One of the main provisions of the treaty is the establishment of marine protected areas through a “three-quarterly majority vote,” ensuring that decisions are not blocked by a small number of opposing parties. This step is crucial in protecting the oceans from harmful human activities.
Another important aspect of the treaty is the implementation of a clear house mechanism, which mandates the fair sharing of benefits derived from marine genetic resources. This mechanism facilitates the sharing of scientific information and monetary benefits among parties involved. It also ensures that information regarding marine protected areas, marine genetic resources, and area-based management tools is accessible to all parties.
Moreover, the treaty emphasizes the role of a Scientific and Technical Body in capacity building and marine technology. This body will be responsible for developing standards and guidelines for environmental impact assessments and assisting countries with limited capacity in carrying out assessments.
Opposition to the Treaty
While the High Seas Treaty represents a crucial step toward preserving marine biodiversity, it has faced opposition from several developed countries, particularly those aligned with private entities leading advanced research and development in marine technology. These countries argue that the treaty fails to strike a balance between conservation and sustainability. Furthermore, Russia and China have also expressed their reservations regarding the treaty.
Important Points:
- The UN recently adopted the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) or the High Seas Treaty.
- The treaty aims to implement international regulations for the protection of life in oceans beyond national jurisdiction through enhanced international cooperation.
- The high seas are parts of the ocean not included in exclusive economic zones, territorial seas, or internal waters of any country.
- Coastal countries generally control the 200 nautical miles of ocean extending from their coasts as their exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
- The high seas refer to the ocean water column beyond the boundaries of any one country, also known as areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ).
- The High Seas Treaty became the third agreement approved under UNCLOS, following the establishment of the International Seabed Authority and the Fish Stocks agreement.
- Only 1% of international waters are currently protected, despite the high seas covering more than half of the Earth’s surface and 61% of all oceans.
- The high seas hold economic significance, sustaining nearly 3 billion people worldwide and contributing 5% to the world’s gross domestic product (GDP).
- Marine organisms in the high seas have medicinal significance, providing potential sources for life-saving drugs.
- The High Seas Treaty is legally binding and focuses on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction.
- The treaty establishes marine protected areas through a “three-quarterly majority vote” to safeguard the oceans from harmful human activities.
- It mandates a clear house mechanism for fair sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources, including sharing scientific information and monetary benefits.
- The treaty emphasizes the role of a Scientific and Technical Body in capacity building and marine technology, facilitating environmental impact assessments.
- Developed countries and private entities in marine technology have opposed the treaty, citing concerns about balancing conservation and sustainability.
- Russia and China have expressed reservations regarding the treaty.
- The treaty represents a significant step in protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring sustainable use of the high seas for future generations.
Why In News
Recently, the United Nations took a significant step in environmental conservation by officially adopting the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), commonly known as the High Seas Treaty. This landmark agreement aims to safeguard and sustainably manage the rich marine life found in international waters, ensuring the protection of delicate ecosystems and promoting global cooperation in preserving our shared natural heritage.
MCQs about The High Seas Treaty’s Impact and Significance
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What is the main purpose of the High Seas Treaty?
A. To regulate fishing practices in exclusive economic zones
B. To establish marine protected areas for tourism purposes
C. To implement international regulations for protecting marine life beyond national jurisdiction
D. To promote private ownership of high seas resources
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What is the role of the Scientific and Technical Body under the High Seas Treaty?
A. To promote sustainable fishing practices
B. To enforce penalties for marine pollution
C. To conduct environmental impact assessments and provide guidelines
D. To manage marine protected areas for tourism purposes
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Which countries have expressed reservations or opposition to the High Seas Treaty?
A. Coastal countries with extensive exclusive economic zones
B. Developed countries with advanced marine technology sectors
C. Small island nations with limited resources
D. All countries have shown support for the treaty
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