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.
