The high seas refer to all parts of the ocean that are not included within the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of coastal countries, typically beyond 200 nautical miles from a country's coastline. They cover more than two-thirds of the world's oceans and are considered international waters.
2. What is the purpose of the High Seas Treaty?
The main aim of the High Seas Treaty is to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of the biodiversity found in the high seas. It seeks to increase the percentage of marine protected areas, ensuring that the vast and largely unregulated high seas can be preserved for future generations.
3. How much of the high seas are currently protected?
As of now, only 1.44% of the high seas are under protection. The treaty aims to significantly increase this percentage to ensure a sustainable and balanced use of oceanic resources.
4. What does the treaty say about marine genetic resources (MGR)?
The treaty emphasizes the equitable and fair sharing of profits derived from marine genetic resources, which include materials from plants, animals, or microbes found in the high seas. These resources have valuable applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.
5. What are Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in the context of the high seas?
Under the treaty, activities proposed on the high seas, such as carbon sequestration and deep-sea mining, will require thorough Environmental Impact Assessments. EIAs aim to identify and evaluate potential environmental impacts before these activities are permitted to ensure they do not harm the ocean's biodiversity.
6. Has India signed the High Seas Treaty?
As of the latest information, India has not signed the treaty. However, during the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration in September 2023, India emphasized the importance of the treaty's entry into force and its implementation, indicating a positive stance towards its objectives.
7. Why is the High Seas Treaty important?
The High Seas Treaty is crucial for the global effort to combat biodiversity loss and ensure the sustainable use of oceanic resources. By establishing a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of high seas biodiversity, it addresses a significant gap in international ocean governance, aiming to protect the health of our oceans for future generations.
The treaty represents a landmark agreement in the pursuit of global maritime sustainability, offering a path forward for the collective management and preservation of the world's oceans.
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