Context: For the first time, United Nations members have agreed for an early conclusion of the International Legally Binding Instrument of BBNJ under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

What is the BBNJ treaty?

• The BBNJ Treaty also called the Treaty of the High Seas, is an international agreement that aims to preserve and sustainably use the marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.

• This includes the high seas, which are outside of countries’ exclusive economic zones and makeup nearly half of the Earth’s surface.

• These areas are currently poorly regulated and only 1% of them are protected.

• The High Ambition Coalition on BBNJ was launched in February 2022 to negotiate and achieve a comprehensive and ambitious outcome.

Key areas of agreement

The negotiations focus on elements agreed upon such as the-

• Conservation and sustainable use of marine genetic resources,

• Area-based management tools like marine protected areas,

• Environmental impact assessments, and

• Capacity-building and technology transfer

Importance of High Seas

• Ninety per cent of global warming occurs in the ocean, deeply affecting Marine life.

• Comprehensive protection of endangered species and habitats is not possible without High Seas which cover more than 40% of the Earth's surface and two-thirds of the ocean.

• Several marine species — including dolphins, whales, sea turtles and many fish — make long annual migrations, crossing national borders and the high seas. 

• High seas are the  crucial component in global efforts to bring 30% of the world's land and sea under protection by the end of the decade, a target known as "30 by 30".

• The treaty can have benefits for society (pharmaceuticals and food) and will help reverse biodiversity losses and ensure sustainable development.

• The high seas treaty has also been an important matter pertaining to the North-South divide between poor and rich. Those who had resources have always been at an advantage from the activities in the high seas.

Concerns

• Developing nations were disappointed by the limited funding options included in the text of the treaty.

• If the Marine Protected Areas(MPAs) are not properly connected, it might not have the desired impact as many species are migratory.

Conclusion

• The newly established treaty will permit the establishment of marine protected areas within international waters. This will build resilience from climate change, protect marine life, and will also oblige countries to conduct environmental impact assessments of proposed activities on the high seas.