Source: DD News
Subject: Environment
Context: The UN Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, also known as the High Seas Treaty, has entered into force after crossing the required 60 ratifications, creating the first legally binding global framework to protect biodiversity in international waters.
About UN Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty:
What it is?
- The BBNJ Agreement is a legally binding international treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (the High Seas).
Origin and history:
- Negotiations began in 2008 amid growing concern over unregulated exploitation of the high seas.
- After 15 years of negotiations, the treaty was finalised in March 2023.
- It entered into force 120 days after the 60th ratification, which was achieved in September 2025.
Targets:
- Achieve the “30 by 30” goal: protect 30% of the global ocean area by 2030.
- Enable large-scale conservation across two-thirds of the ocean, which lies beyond national control.
Key features:
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Enables creation of a global network of MPAs in international waters to conserve fragile and previously unregulated ecosystems.
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Mandates prior assessment of activities that may significantly harm marine ecosystems in the high seas.
- Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs): Establishes fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources used in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
- Capacity building and technology transfer: Supports developing countries through training, access to data, scientific cooperation, and marine technologies.
- Ecosystem-based and precautionary approach: Promotes decision-making based on best available science, traditional knowledge, and the precautionary principle.
- No sovereignty claims: Reaffirms that no state can claim sovereign rights over high-seas biological resources.
