Understanding the High Seas Treaty and Its Global Impact

Understanding the High Seas Treaty

The High Seas Treaty, officially known as the agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction or ‘BBNJ’, was signed in New York on 20 September during the United Nations High-Level Week. This pivotal agreement was endorsed by numerous countries, representing a significant advancement in global ocean governance.

Key Provisions of the High Seas Treaty

The treaty encompasses several vital objectives aimed at preserving marine biodiversity and promoting equitable access to ocean resources:

• Promote Equity and Fairness: Ensure all nations benefit from the resources and opportunities of the high seas.
• Tackle Environmental Degradation: Implement measures to protect marine environments from pollution and harmful activities.
• Fight Climate Change: Address the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.
• Prevent Biodiversity Loss: Protect marine species and their habitats from overexploitation and destruction.

Significance of the Agreement

The adoption of this treaty marks a historic milestone, culminating over a decade of collaborative efforts among nations. It complements the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which establishes the legal framework for all human activities on the ocean.

Next Steps Following Ratification

Once ratified, the High Seas Treaty will:

• Establish marine protected areas globally, safeguarding the ocean from human pressures and significantly contributing to climate change mitigation and biodiversity protection.
• Set a framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from marine genetic resources.
• Support capacity building and the transfer of marine technologies to developing countries.
• Create a voluntary fund to assist developing nations in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 on ‘Life Below Water’.

Importance of the High Seas

Areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the high seas and the seabed, harbor invaluable marine resources and biodiversity. They provide essential ecological, economic, social, cultural, scientific, and food security benefits to humanity. However, these areas face increasing threats from pollution, overexploitation, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

The High Seas Treaty tackles these challenges and aims to manage marine resources more holistically. This treaty signifies a substantial step towards enhanced global governance of the high seas, fostering the sustainable use and protection of marine biodiversity for the benefit of future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the High Seas Treaty about?
Answer: The High Seas Treaty focuses on biodiversity conservation beyond national jurisdictions, aiming to promote equitable resource sharing and protect marine environments.

Q2. Why is the High Seas Treaty significant?
Answer: It represents a major advancement in global ocean governance and complements existing international laws to ensure sustainable use of marine resources.

Q3. What are the key objectives of the High Seas Treaty?
Answer: The treaty aims to promote equity, tackle environmental degradation, fight climate change, and prevent biodiversity loss in marine ecosystems.

Q4. How will the High Seas Treaty affect developing countries?
Answer: The treaty supports capacity building and technology transfer to developing nations, helping them access and manage marine resources sustainably.

Q5. What are marine protected areas?
Answer: Marine protected areas are regions in the ocean designated for protection to preserve biodiversity and maintain healthy marine ecosystems.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary goal of the High Seas Treaty?
A) To regulate national waters
B) To promote marine biodiversity protection
C) To enhance fishing quotas
D) To control pollution in coastal areas
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: When was the High Seas Treaty signed?
A) 20 September 2022
B) 20 September 2023
C) 21 September 2023
D) 19 September 2023
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Which organization facilitated the signing of the High Seas Treaty?
A) World Health Organization
B) United Nations
C) World Trade Organization
D) International Maritime Organization
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What does the High Seas Treaty aim to prevent?
A) Overfishing
B) Marine pollution
C) Biodiversity loss
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D

Question 5: What framework will the High Seas Treaty establish?
A) For marine tourism
B) For pollution control
C) For equitable sharing of marine resources
D) For shipping routes
Correct Answer: C

Question 6: What is a potential benefit of marine protected areas?
A) Increased fishing quotas
B) Enhanced marine biodiversity
C) Decreased marine life
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: B

Question 7: How long did it take to negotiate the High Seas Treaty?
A) 5 years
B) 10 years
C) 15 years
D) 20 years
Correct Answer: B