Why is it in the news?

• An event on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) was recently convened, urging nations to ratify a new treaty aimed at safeguarding the high seas from pollution, climate change, and overfishing.

About the BBNJ Treaty

• A landmark international agreement targeting the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
• Aims to safeguard the ocean, promote equity and fairness, address environmental degradation, and prevent biodiversity loss in the high seas.
• Adopted by consensus at the 5th BBNJ Intergovernmental Conference in New York in March 2023.
• Signed by representatives from over 80 countries.
• Anticipated to enter into force by the June 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

Key Provisions of the Treaty

• Introduces a procedure for creating large-scale marine protected areas in the high seas to conserve biodiversity.
• Ensures equitable sharing of benefits derived from marine genetic resources.
• Establishes clear rules for conducting environmental impact assessments before human activities occur in the high seas.
• Includes provisions for capacity building and the transfer of marine technology among the Parties to enhance conservation efforts.