Context: UNOC 2025 – A Global Push for Ocean Conservation
- The 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) concluded in France.
- Aim: Accelerate action to protect marine biodiversity, especially beyond national jurisdiction (high seas).
- Major focus: Ratification of the BBNJ Agreement (High Seas Treaty).
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty – What & Why
- Also known as the High Seas Treaty, first adopted in 2023.
- Targets protection of biodiversity in areas beyond national EEZs (international waters = ~2/3 of ocean surface).
- Key features:
- Creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) on the high seas.
- Mandatory environmental impact assessments for high-seas projects.
- Regulation of marine genetic resources (MGRs).
- Support for capacity-building in developing nations.
- Ratification milestone: Needs 60 ratifications to become legally binding.
- As of now: 56 countries ratified, incl. France, Germany, Spain.
- India and the U.S. yet to ratify (India says it’s “in process”).
- First BBNJ COP (Conference of Parties) expected by late 2026.
Why BBNJ is Crucial for Marine Conservation
- High seas = global commons, but underregulated.
- Home to rich, exotic biodiversity; risk of deep-sea mining, overfishing, and biopiracy.
- Needed to fulfil CBD’s 30×30 goal: Protect 30% of marine & coastal ecosystems by 2030.
- Helps address ocean threats:
- Illegal fishing, climate change impact, noise pollution, carbon storage loss.
Key Hurdle: Equitable Sharing of Marine Resources
- MGRs from high seas (e.g., microbes, enzymes) could lead to commercial bio-products.
- Disputes arise over:
- Who benefits? How to share profits fairly?
- Developed vs. developing country concerns over technology access, intellectual property, and equity.
- Critics argue: Without a ban on deep-sea extraction, marine conservation is incomplete.
Major Announcements & Voluntary Commitments at UNOC
- European Commission: €1 billion for ocean science, sustainable fishing.
- French Polynesia: Declared entire EEZ (~5 million sq. km) as a marine protected area — largest ever.
- New Zealand: $52 million for Pacific Islands’ ocean governance and science.
- Germany: €100 million for removal of old munitions from Baltic/North Sea seabeds.
- Spain: 5 new MPAs → protects 25% of marine territory.
- Canada: $9 million to enhance climate resilience for Small Island States.
- Italy: €6.5 million to improve marine surveillance (Coast Guard).
- Panama + Canada (with 37 nations): Launched High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean — first global push against ocean noise pollution.
- UN agencies: Co-launched One Ocean Finance to unlock blue economy investments.
Strategic Significance for India
- India hasn’t ratified BBNJ yet → risks being a passive observer in shaping rules for global commons.
- As a major blue economy player, India must:
- Engage in marine diplomacy,
- Push for equitable resource-sharing norms,
- Ensure sovereign interests are protected while aligning with sustainable ocean governance goals.
Conclusion / Key Takeaway
- The UNOC 2025 marks a turning point for ocean conservation diplomacy.
- The BBNJ treaty, once in force, can become for oceans what the Paris Agreement is for climate.
- Success depends on ratification momentum, fair implementation, and real conservation action, not just voluntary pledges.
