High Seas Treaty: India's Commitment to Marine Conservation

Introduction

India has announced its intention to sign and ratify the High Seas Treaty, aimed at protecting marine ecology and ensuring equitable sharing of marine resources. This international agreement focuses on areas outside national jurisdictions, contributing to the sustainable use of ocean resources.

What is the High Seas Treaty?

• A new international framework for maintaining the ecological health of the oceans.
• Also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ) Agreement.

Objectives of the Treaty

• Protection and Conservation: Safeguarding marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Sustainable Use: Ensuring the sustainable use of marine genetic resources.
• Equitable Sharing: Fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from marine resources.

Key Components of the Treaty

• Protection and Access:
  • Focuses on protecting marine ecology and facilitating access to marine resources.
  • Mandates environmental impact assessments (EIA) for activities that might degrade marine ecosystems.
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):
  • Aims to designate 30% of the ocean as MPAs by 2030.
  • Important for achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework goals.
• Equitable Sharing of Benefits:
  • Ensures that benefits from marine genetic resources are shared fairly.
  • Recognizes potential costs for countries in accessing these resources.

Global Significance

Only 1.44% of the high seas are currently protected. The treaty aims to restore at least 30% of degraded coastal and marine ecosystems by 2030, marking a significant step towards global marine conservation.

India's Role

India is among the 91 countries that have signed the treaty. This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, showcasing its proactive stance in global ecological efforts.

Future Challenges

• Ensuring compliance with the treaty’s provisions.
• Balancing economic activities with conservation efforts.
• Enhancing international cooperation for the protection of marine biodiversity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the High Seas Treaty about?
Answer: The High Seas Treaty is an international agreement aimed at protecting marine ecology and ensuring equitable sharing of marine resources outside national jurisdictions.

Q2. Why is the treaty significant for global biodiversity?
Answer: The treaty is significant because it seeks to protect a larger portion of the ocean and aims to restore ecosystems by designating marine protected areas, which are crucial for biodiversity preservation.

Q3. How does India contribute to the High Seas Treaty?
Answer: India, as one of the signatory nations of the treaty, is committed to marine conservation and sustainable development, reflecting its dedication to global ecological initiatives.

Q4. What challenges does the treaty face?
Answer: The treaty faces challenges such as ensuring compliance, balancing economic activities with conservation, and fostering international cooperation for effective marine biodiversity protection.

Q5. What are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)?
Answer: MPAs are designated regions in the ocean aimed at conserving marine biodiversity and ecosystems, with a goal to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 under the treaty.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the main goal of the High Seas Treaty?
A) To increase fishing quotas
B) To protect marine biodiversity
C) To promote tourism
D) To enhance oil drilling
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: How much of the high seas is currently protected?
A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 1.44%
D) 20%
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: Which agreement is also known as the High Seas Treaty?
A) Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ)
B) Marine Conservation Act
C) Oceanic Protection Agreement
D) Global Biodiversity Framework
Correct Answer: A

Question 4: What percentage of the ocean is aimed to be designated as Marine Protected Areas by 2030?
A) 20%
B) 30%
C) 40%
D) 50%
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What does EIA stand for in the context of the treaty?
A) Environmental Impact Assessment
B) Ecology Improvement Act
C) Environmental Initiative Agreement
D) Ecological Impact Analysis
Correct Answer: A