India, with its extensive coastline of over 7,500 km, sees a significant portion of its population residing in coastal regions. The ocean is vital for various aspects of life in India, including livelihoods, trade, biodiversity, and energy. It plays a crucial role in climate stability and is integral to the government’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes the "blue economy" as a key driver of national growth.
The term 'blue economy' refers to the sustainable utilization of ocean resources aimed at fostering economic growth, enhancing livelihoods, and creating job opportunities while ensuring the health of marine ecosystems. This concept encompasses several sectors, including fisheries, shipping, offshore energy, marine biotechnology, and tourism.
Despite its immense importance, ocean governance remains a pressing issue. Each year, over eight million tonnes of plastic waste are released into the oceans. Additionally, more than one-third of fish stocks are impacted by overfishing. The challenges of acidification, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss driven by climate change further complicate the situation. Governance gaps hinder effective conservation and regulatory efforts, particularly in international waters.
The Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) is an international treaty established under the UN Convention. It aims to safeguard the high seas, which constitute about 60% of the ocean and are not governed by any one nation. The agreement focuses on conservation efforts, conducting environmental impact assessments, and ensuring equitable sharing of marine genetic resources.
Scheduled for June 2025 in Nice, France, the third UN Ocean Conference aims to secure actionable global commitments. The conference will focus on enhancing funding, promoting research, and fostering international cooperation to protect marine ecosystems, advance the blue economy, and elevate ocean science and education.
France is implementing several national initiatives, including a "Festival of Ideas," public exhibitions, and workshops that engage both experts and citizens. Events in cities such as Delhi, Chennai, and Goa are designed to increase awareness and facilitate international dialogue on marine issues.
To enhance ocean protection, countries should ratify international agreements like the BBNJ, boost both public and private investments in marine conservation, improve scientific research and monitoring, and promote education and awareness. Multilateral collaboration and shared responsibility are essential for safeguarding ocean resources for future generations.
Q1. Why is the blue economy important for India?
Answer: The blue economy is crucial for India as it leverages ocean resources to promote sustainable economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods while ensuring marine ecosystem health.
Q2. What challenges does ocean governance face?
Answer: Ocean governance faces challenges like pollution, overfishing, climate change impacts, and inadequate regulatory frameworks, making conservation efforts difficult, especially in international waters.
Q3. What is the significance of the BBNJ Agreement?
Answer: The BBNJ Agreement is significant as it aims to protect high seas biodiversity, facilitate environmental assessments, and ensure fair sharing of marine genetic resources beyond national jurisdiction.
Q4. How can countries enhance marine protection?
Answer: Countries can improve marine protection by ratifying international treaties, increasing investments in conservation, enhancing research efforts, and fostering public awareness and education initiatives.
Q5. What are the goals of the UN Ocean Conference?
Answer: The UN Ocean Conference aims to achieve global commitments for marine protection, enhance funding and research, and promote cooperation in fostering the blue economy and ocean education.
Question 1: What is the primary focus of the blue economy?
A) Unsustainable fishing practices
B) Sustainable use of ocean resources
C) Industrial development
D) Urban expansion
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What does the BBNJ Agreement aim to protect?
A) Coastal cities
B) High seas biodiversity
C) National waters
D) Marine tourism
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which of the following is a goal of the UN Ocean Conference?
A) Increasing plastic waste
B) Enhancing marine ecosystem protection
C) Promoting coastal pollution
D) Reducing marine research funding
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What percentage of the ocean do high seas cover?
A) 30%
B) 50%
C) 60%
D) 70%
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: Which country is hosting the next UN Ocean Conference?
A) India
B) Brazil
C) France
D) Australia
Correct Answer: C
Question 6: What is a major challenge in ocean governance?
A) Overfishing
B) Increased biodiversity
C) Sustainable tourism
D) Marine conservation
Correct Answer: A
Question 7: How can countries improve ocean protection?
A) Reducing international cooperation
B) Ratifying international agreements
C) Increasing ocean pollution
D) Limiting scientific research
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
