India's Stance on the BBNJ Agreement at the UN Ocean Conference
India's Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, addressed the audience at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, highlighting India's current position regarding the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, also known as the 'High Seas Treaty'.
Current Status of the BBNJ Agreement
- India signed the BBNJ agreement in September 2024 but has not yet ratified it.
- The government needs to amend the Biological Diversity Act before proceeding with ratification.
- Ratification may be considered after the Monsoon Session of Parliament (July 12–August 12).
- 49 countries have ratified the treaty, with 60 required for it to enter into legal force.
Key Issues with the BBNJ Agreement
- Resource Sharing: The treaty addresses the sharing of resources from the high seas, which are beyond the jurisdiction of any single country and contain unique marine life.
- Conservation Goals: It aims for the long-term conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
- Mechanisms: Includes environmental impact assessments, area-based management tools, and enhanced international cooperation for ocean governance.
India's Initiatives and Contributions
- Samudrayaan Mission: Dr. Singh highlighted progress on this manned submersible mission aimed at reaching ocean depths up to 6,000 metres, with a trial dive expected in 2026.
- Nationwide Ban on Single-Use Plastics: Reinforced India's commitment to marine conservation.
- Blue Economy Investments: India has invested over $80 billion in this sector.
- Global Plastics Treaty: India advocates for a legally binding treaty and launched the 'SAHAV' digital ocean data portal.
Conference Theme and Co-hosts
The conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, focuses on "Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean."