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The High Seas Treaty seeks to regulate the activities of sovereign nations in the areas termed as high seas i.e. land beyond the Exclusive Economic Zones of all the countries. These areas are rich in resources needed for the essential development of countries. The High Seas treaty seeks to ensure international discipline in this area.

What is the UN High Seas Treaty?

The High Seas Treaty is an international agreement designed to protect and manage biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. It was adopted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to establish a framework for conservation and sustainable use of marine resources in international waters. The treaty addresses the challenges of overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction in the high seas, which cover about two-thirds of the world’s ocean surface.

High Seas Treaty Objectives

The treaty sets out key objectives to ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems:

• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Establishing legally binding MPAs to safeguard biodiversity.
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Ensuring thorough evaluations before activities that may harm the marine environment.
• Fair Access to Marine Resources: Regulating the exploitation of marine genetic resources and ensuring equitable sharing of benefits.
• Capacity Building and Technology Transfer: Supporting developing countries in marine research and conservation efforts.

Importance of the High Seas

The high seas are crucial for global biodiversity, climate regulation, and human livelihoods. They support marine species migration, generate oxygen, and help absorb carbon dioxide. However, due to weak governance, these waters face significant threats from illegal fishing, pollution, and deep-sea mining. The High Seas Treaty aims to address these concerns by enforcing sustainable management practices and strengthening international cooperation.

How Many Countries Signed the High Seas Treaty?

As of now, over 80 countries have signed the UN High Seas Treaty, demonstrating broad international support. However, for the treaty to take effect, it must be ratified by at least 60 nations. Countries that sign the treaty commit to working towards marine conservation, but ratification involves integrating its provisions into national laws.

High Seas Treaty Signatories

Among the treaty’s signatories are the European Union, the United States, China, and several developing nations. These nations recognize the urgency of marine conservation and the need for a legal framework to manage international waters.

High Seas Treaty and India

India has actively participated in negotiations regarding the UN High Seas Treaty but has yet to finalize its position on ratification. As a maritime nation with a strong stake in ocean governance, India’s decision will significantly impact regional and global marine policies.

What is UNCLOS?

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is a comprehensive legal framework governing ocean activities. It defines territorial waters, exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and the responsibilities of nations in managing marine resources. The High Seas Treaty builds upon UNCLOS by focusing on areas beyond national jurisdiction, which previously lacked sufficient legal protection.

High Seas Treaty UPSC

The High Seas Treaty represents a landmark agreement for global marine conservation. By addressing biodiversity protection, sustainable resource use, and fair access to marine benefits, it strengthens international efforts to safeguard the ocean. As more countries ratify the treaty, its success will depend on strong enforcement and global cooperation. Understanding the treaty’s significance under UNCLOS is crucial for policymakers, environmentalists, and students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC.

High Seas Treaty Challenges

While the treaty marks a major step in ocean conservation, its implementation faces several challenges:

• Enforcement Mechanisms: Ensuring compliance in international waters.
• Funding and Resources: Supporting developing nations in conservation efforts.
• Balancing Economic Interests: Regulating activities like deep-sea mining without hindering economic development.

The treaty’s success will ultimately shape the future of the high seas, ensuring that marine ecosystems remain resilient for future generations.

High Seas Treaty FAQs