Page 14 - The Indian EYE 110124

OPINION NOVEMBER 01, 2024 | The Indian Eye 14

joining the treaty, which is necessary
to handle global maritime problems.
Such a cooperative approach not only
improves India’s profile in interna-
tional venues but also helps coalitions
that can inspire sustainability and
innovation. Finally, involvement in
the BBNJ Agreement creates fresh
opportunities for economic growth
connected to maritime resources.
With the establishment of Marine
Protected Areas (MPAs) and sustain-
able management practices, India can
benefit from eco-tourism, sustainable
fishing, and bio-prospecting opportu-
nities in the high seas.
Despite the treaty’s significant
provisions, several challenges could
impede its effectiveness. First and
foremost is the requirement for at least
60 countries to ratify the treaty before
it can come into force. As of June
2024, 91 countries have signed the
BBNJ Agreement, and eight parties
have ratified it. This slow pace of rati- As a result, India is now in a position to extend its strategic reach outside the confines of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) through more active
fication is exacerbated by geopolitical
rivalries, particularly in contentious participation in the community of nations that comprise the maritime world (Agency file photo)
maritime regions like the South Chi-
na Sea, where territorial claims com- ing on the use of genetic material benefit from the ocean’s biodiversity. treaty represents a strategic commit-
plicate the establishment of MPAs. sourced from the ocean for pharma- By promoting capacity-building ini- ment to ocean protection, enhanced
The reluctance of countries, including ceutical, cosmetics, agriculture and tiatives and technology transfer, the access to research and capacity build-
China and some ASEAN nations, to other usages, India needs to have a treaty empowers developing countries ing. While the treaty is ambitious, its
ratify the treaty stems from concerns plan to manage the issue of fairness to actively engage in marine research success hinges on the willingness of
over potential conflicts with nation- and equity in the utilization of MGR and conservation efforts. For India, states to prioritize collective actions
al interests and territorial claims. without compromising the global de- this engagement is especially benefi- over narrow national interests. Given
Moreover, a new dilemma has mands. This is vitally important, espe- cial, as it can enhance the country’s the current decline of the ocean bio-
arisen regarding how to safeguard cially due to the competitive nature scientific expertise and technological diversity, the importance of this issue
treaty provisions without jeopardiz- of marine bio-prospecting and India’s capabilities in marine biodiversity, has never been more pronounced.
ing economic interests. Sectors, such aspirations to harness this opportuni- crucial for its extensive coastline and The BBNJ Treaty serves as a distinct
as fishing, seabed mining or coastal ty to its advantage. rich marine ecosystems. Ultimately, tool for managing the high seas, con-
energy production are key for the India faces significant challenges the BBNJ treaty represents a pivotal trasting with the entrenched “seafar-
economy of India. India must prior- in monitoring and enforcing regula- step toward sustainable ocean gov- ing” mindset that dominates coastal
itize them carefully and take mea- tions on the high seas, particularly ernance and the equitable sharing of and offshore management.
sures to ensure that these do not fur- concerning illegal fishing and bio- marine resources for all. Keshav Verma is a Research Associate
ther impede access to sectors that are diversity loss. The vastness of these Conclusion at the Indian Council of World Af-
key for economic growth and provide waters, combined with limited sur- fairs, New Delhi. Views expressed are
means of livelihoods, especially for veillance capabilities, hampers the he BBNJ Agreement is signifi- personal
coastal populations dependent on country’s ability to detect and address cant as it promises to transform This article first appeared in the View-
such industries. illegal activities. To effectively en- Tocean governance for sustain- point section of the website (www.icwa.
On the issue of capacity build- force treaties, India must enhance its able management of marine areas in) of Indian Council of World Affairs,
ing and technology transfer, there maritime awareness and upgrade its and resources. For India, signing this New Delhi, on October 22, 2024
are also challenges. The treaty calls enforcement capacities, which would
for developed states to aid develop- require substantial financial invest-
ing states in evolving their abilities ment and international support. Ad-
to manage and protect ocean ecosys- ditionally, coordinating with global
tems. However, India will need sig- partners for synchronized action will
nificant investment in improving its be essential, but this task is complicat-
research, monitoring, and capacity ed owing to the geopolitical dynamics
building on the high seas governance. on the high seas.
Additionally, it needs to ensure that The treaty marks a significant ad-
technology transfer mechanisms are vancement in the equitable sharing of
effective and do not come with un- benefits derived from marine genetic
due restrictions or dependencies. resources, specifically addressing the
The regulation of Marine Genet- needs of developing countries. Unlike
ic Resources (MGR) is increasingly previous agreements, the BBNJ treaty
gaining attention as an area that is fosters a collaborative framework that
currently at a nascent stage. With bio- ensures all nations, particularly those
technology industries heavily depend- with limited resources, can access and

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