The BBNJ Agreement will enable India to enhance its strategic presence in areas beyond the country's EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).
“This historic decision marks a significant step towards the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Often referred to as the "high seas", areas beyond national jurisdiction are global common oceans open to all for internationally legal purposes, such as navigation, overflight, laying of submarine cables and pipelines, etc. The Ministry of Earth Sciences will lead the country's implementation. of the BBNJ Agreement,” according to the official statement.
Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Earth Sciences, said: “India remains committed and proactive towards the global cause of environmental conservation and sustainable development. “We will sign the BBNJ Agreement and are willing to subsequently ratify it through the necessary legislative processes.” The government is aligned with scientific progress, strengthening international collaboration and promoting governance, transparency, accountability and the rule of law.”
The Cabinet meeting was held on July 2.
The BBNJ Agreement, or "High Seas Treaty", is an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It aims to address growing concerns about the long-term protection of marine biodiversity on the high seas. Establishes precise mechanisms for the sustainable use of marine biological diversity through international cooperation and coordination.
The parties cannot claim or exercise sovereign rights over marine resources derived from the high seas and ensure a fair and equitable distribution of benefits.
It follows an inclusive, integrated and ecosystem-focused approach based on the precautionary principle and promotes the use of traditional knowledge and the best available scientific knowledge.
Helps minimize impacts on the marine environment through area-based management tools and establishes rules for conducting environmental impact assessments. It would also contribute to achieving several SDGs, in particular SDG 14 (Life below water).
M Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, explaining the benefits for India, said, “The BBNJ Agreement allows us to enhance our strategic presence in areas beyond our EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), which is very promising. In addition to the shared monetary benefits, it will further strengthen our marine conservation efforts and collaborations, open new avenues for scientific research and development, access to samples, sequences and information, capacity development and technology transfer, etc. , not only for us but for everyone. for the benefit of all humanity.”
The BBNJ Agreement will be the third implementing agreement under UNCLOS when it comes into force, along with its sister implementing agreements: the 1994 Part XI Implementing Agreement (addressing the exploration and extraction of mineral resources in the international area of the seabed) and the 1995 Agreement. United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (addressing the conservation and management of straddling and highly migratory fish stocks).
UNCLOS was adopted on December 10, 1982 and entered into force on November 16, 1994. It is crucial for the environmental protection of the seas and for addressing maritime boundaries, marine resource rights and dispute resolution. Establishes the International Seabed Authority to regulate mining and related activities on the ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction.
To date, more than 160 countries have ratified the Convention. It is vital to maintaining order, equity and justice in the use of the world's oceans. The BBNJ Agreement was agreed in March 2023 and is open for signature for two years starting in September 2023. It will be a legally binding international treaty once it enters into force 120 days after the 60th ratification, acceptance, approval or adhesion. As of June 2024, 91 countries had signed the BBNJ Agreement and eight Parties had ratified it.
“This historic decision marks a significant step towards the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Often referred to as the "high seas", areas beyond national jurisdiction are global common oceans open to all for internationally legal purposes, such as navigation, overflight, laying of submarine cables and pipelines, etc. The Ministry of Earth Sciences will lead the country's implementation. of the BBNJ Agreement,” according to the official statement.
Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Earth Sciences, said: “India remains committed and proactive towards the global cause of environmental conservation and sustainable development. “We will sign the BBNJ Agreement and are willing to subsequently ratify it through the necessary legislative processes.” The government is aligned with scientific progress, strengthening international collaboration and promoting governance, transparency, accountability and the rule of law.”
The Cabinet meeting was held on July 2.
The BBNJ Agreement, or "High Seas Treaty", is an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It aims to address growing concerns about the long-term protection of marine biodiversity on the high seas. Establishes precise mechanisms for the sustainable use of marine biological diversity through international cooperation and coordination.
The parties cannot claim or exercise sovereign rights over marine resources derived from the high seas and ensure a fair and equitable distribution of benefits.
It follows an inclusive, integrated and ecosystem-focused approach based on the precautionary principle and promotes the use of traditional knowledge and the best available scientific knowledge.
Helps minimize impacts on the marine environment through area-based management tools and establishes rules for conducting environmental impact assessments. It would also contribute to achieving several SDGs, in particular SDG 14 (Life below water).
M Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES, explaining the benefits for India, said, “The BBNJ Agreement allows us to enhance our strategic presence in areas beyond our EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), which is very promising. In addition to the shared monetary benefits, it will further strengthen our marine conservation efforts and collaborations, open new avenues for scientific research and development, access to samples, sequences and information, capacity development and technology transfer, etc. , not only for us but for everyone. for the benefit of all humanity.”
The BBNJ Agreement will be the third implementing agreement under UNCLOS when it comes into force, along with its sister implementing agreements: the 1994 Part XI Implementing Agreement (addressing the exploration and extraction of mineral resources in the international area of the seabed) and the 1995 Agreement. United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (addressing the conservation and management of straddling and highly migratory fish stocks).
UNCLOS was adopted on December 10, 1982 and entered into force on November 16, 1994. It is crucial for the environmental protection of the seas and for addressing maritime boundaries, marine resource rights and dispute resolution. Establishes the International Seabed Authority to regulate mining and related activities on the ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction.
To date, more than 160 countries have ratified the Convention. It is vital to maintaining order, equity and justice in the use of the world's oceans. The BBNJ Agreement was agreed in March 2023 and is open for signature for two years starting in September 2023. It will be a legally binding international treaty once it enters into force 120 days after the 60th ratification, acceptance, approval or adhesion. As of June 2024, 91 countries had signed the BBNJ Agreement and eight Parties had ratified it.
