Short Article
06-08-2024 | 18:58 PM
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved India to sign the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
Key Highlights
- Objective: It addresses the growing concerns over the long-term protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas.
- The Ministry of Earth Science (MoES) will lead the country’s implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
- It allows India to enhance its strategic presence beyond Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
- The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction was adopted in 2023 by an intergovernmental conference on marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.
- BBNJ is an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It is also known as the ‘High Sea Treaty’.
- It sets precise mechanisms for the sustainable use of marine biological diversity through international cooperation and coordination.
- It will also help to achieve several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
The Agreement covers four elements:
- Marine genetic resources, fair and equitable share of benefits.
- Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Capacity building and marine technology transfer.
- Area-based management tools including marine protected areas.
