Padmesh Prabhune –
India has officially joined the Global Ocean Treaty, also known as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
The signing was held during the United Nations General Assembly, showing India’s commitment to protecting marine resources on the high seas. As of now, 101 countries, including India, have signed the pact, confirming their intention to examine and possibly ratify it domestically.
Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, expressing pride in India’s involvement in joining the BBNJ Agreement praised the treaty as an essential step toward ensuring healthy and resilient oceans. The treaty allows for the establishment of largely protected zones in the high seas that extend beyond a country’s exclusive economic zone and are over 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres) from coastlines.
The initiative aims to help safeguard marine biodiversity further to become more resilient to climate change. The high seas comprise about half of the planet’s surface and two-thirds of the ocean.
Extreme weather incidents have posed increasing concerns for India, leading to major casualties. At the same time, climate change effects—such as rising sea levels and temperatures—are all having a negative impact on coastal fisheries and livelihoods. Protecting the oceans through this global accord is a hopeful step forward that requires immediate action.
Marex Media