Union Cabinet Approves India's Signing of the BBNJ Agreement

Approval:

1. Union Cabinet Decision:
   1. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved India's signing of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
2. Objective:
   1. The agreement aims to conserve and sustainably utilize marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, also known as the 'High Seas'.
3. Implementation:
   1. The Ministry of Earth Sciences will spearhead the country's implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement

1. Definition:
   1. The BBNJ Agreement, also known as the 'High Seas Treaty', is an international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Its primary goal is to address growing concerns over the long-term protection of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Key Features:

1. Sustainable Use and Benefit Sharing:
   1. Establishes mechanisms for sustainable use of marine biological diversity.
   2. Prohibits claiming sovereign rights over high seas resources.
   3. Ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
2. Approach and Principles:
   1. Follows an inclusive, integrated, ecosystem-centric approach.
   2. Based on the precautionary principle.
   3. Promotes use of traditional knowledge and best available scientific knowledge.
3. Environmental Protection:
   1. Minimizes impacts on the marine environment through area-based management tools.
   2. Establishes rules for environmental impact assessments.

Implementation Agreements:

1. 1. Will be the third implementation agreement under UNCLOS, alongside:
      1. 1994 Part XI Implementation Agreement
      2. 1995 UN Fish Stocks Agreement

Benefits for India:

1. Strategic Presence:
   1. Allows India to enhance its strategic presence in areas beyond its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
2. Monetary Benefits:
   1. Provides shared monetary benefits to India.
3. Marine Conservation:
   1. Further strengthens India's marine conservation efforts and collaborations.
4. Scientific Research:
   1. Opens new avenues for scientific research and development, access to samples, sequences, and information, capacity building, and technology transfer.

About UNCLOS:

1. Definition:
   1. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international treaty that aims to regulate the use of the world's oceans.
2. Adoption:
   1. UNCLOS was adopted on December 10, 1982, and came into force on November 16, 1994.
3. Objectives:
   1. It aims to protect the environmental protection of the seas, address maritime boundaries, rights to marine resources, and dispute resolution.
4. International Seabed Authority:
   1. Establishes the International Seabed Authority to regulate mining and related activities on the ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction.

Status of BBNJ Agreement:

1. Signing:
   1. The BBNJ Agreement was agreed upon in March 2023 and is open for signature for two years starting September 2023.
2. Ratification:
   1. It will be an international legally binding treaty after it enters force 120 days after the 60th ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession.
3. Current Status:
   1. As of June 2024, 91 countries have signed the BBNJ Agreement, and eight Parties have ratified it.

Importance of BBNJ Agreement:

1. Conservation of Marine Biodiversity:
   1. The BBNJ Agreement is crucial for the conservation of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
2. Sustainable Use of Marine Resources:
   1. Promotes the sustainable use of marine resources and ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
3. International Cooperation:
   1. Fosters international cooperation and coordination in the management of marine biological diversity.
4. Contribution to SDGs:
   1. Contributes to the achievement of several SDGs, particularly SDG14 (Life Below Water).

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