IUCN Chief urged countries to strive for High Seas Biodiversity Treaty

Posted 10 Jun 2024

2 min read

On World Oceans Day (June 08), director general of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) urged countries worldwide “to strive for a fully functional High Seas Biodiversity Treaty”

Action theme for World Oceans Day 2024 was ‘Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate’.

What is High Seas?

High seas are defined by international law as all parts of the ocean that aren't included in exclusive economic zone, territorial sea, or internal waters of a country, or in archipelagic waters of an archipelagic country.
High seas and associated resources are not directly owned or regulated by any country

About High Seas Biodiversity Treaty

It is an agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on conservation and sustainable use of marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
Formally adopted by Intergovernmental Conference on Marine BBNJ in 2023 and will become international law only when it is signed and ratified by at least 60 countries.
Till date, Only 7 countries have ratified the treaty.
India has neither signed nor ratified the treaty.

Key provisions of the Treaty

Contains provisions based on polluter-pays principle as well as mechanisms for resolution of disputes related to pollutions in high seas.
Underlines importance of capacity building and transfer of marine technology and increasing collaboration among regional seas organizations and regional fisheries management organizations.
Recognize rights and traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities, freedom of scientific research, and need for fair and equitable sharing of benefits.