BBNJ Treaty

Context: A new round of negotiations on the much-awaited United Nations High Seas Treaty for conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) began in New York recently.

About BBNJ Treaty :

• The “BBNJ Treaty”, also known as the “Treaty of the High Seas”.
• It is an international agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
• It encompasses the high seas, beyond the exclusive economic zones or national waters of countries.
• This new instrument is being developedwithin the framework of the UNCLOS.

About UNCLOS( United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea):

• UNCLOS  is an international agreement that establishes the legal framework for marine and maritime activities.
• The Convention which concluded in the year 1982 replaced the quad-treaty of 1958.
• It came into effect in the year 1994.
• It divides marine areas into 5 zones :

• • Internal-waters
  • Territorial seas
  • Contiguous Zone
  • Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
  • Continental shelf or High seas
• India has been a party to the convention since 1995.

Source: DOWN TO EARTH

Previous Year Questions

Q.1) Which one of the following statements best describes the ‘Polar Code’? (2022)

1. It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.
2. It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region.
3. It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies at the North Pole and the South Pole.
4. It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council.

Q.2)  Consider the following statements. (2022)

1. The Climate Group is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and running them.
2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.
3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
4. Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

1. 1,2, 4 and 5
2. 1,3 and 4 only 
3. 2,3 and 5 only
4. 1,2, 3, 4 and 5