Sansad TV Perspective: High Seas Treaty

In the series Sansad TV Perspective, we bring you an analysis of the discussion featured on the insightful programme ‘Perspective’ on Sansad TV, on various important topics affecting India and also the world. This analysis will help you immensely for the IAS exam, especially the mains exam, where a well-rounded understanding of topics is a prerequisite for writing answers that fetch good marks.

In this article, we feature the discussion on the topic: ‘High Seas Treaty’.

Anchor: Vishal Dahiya

Participants:

1. R R Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow, TERI
2. Urmi Goswami, Senior Journalist
3. Dr Sheel Kant Sharma, Former Ambassador

Highlights of the Discussion:

1. Introduction
2. Threats to High Seas
3. Developed v/s Developing Countries
4. Significance for Small developing countries
5. Treaty on High Seas

Introduction:

• Ocean ecosystems create half the oxygen humans breathe and limit global warming by absorbing much of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities. But they are threatened by climate change, pollution and overfishing. 
• Even though the high seas comprise more than 60 percent of the world’s oceans and nearly half the planet’s surface, they have drawn far less attention than coastal waters and a few iconic species.
• The UN member states agreed on a treaty for protecting marine life in international waters that lie outside the jurisdiction of any country, marking the culmination of over a decade of negotiations to protect the high seas that cover nearly two-thirds of the global ocean. 
• The agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction which will be formally adopted at a later date will help achieve the global goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, which was agreed upon at the 2022 UN biodiversity conference.
• The High Seas Treaty will oblige countries to conduct environmental impact assessments of proposed activities on the high seas. 
• The treaty also includes arrangements for sharing marine genetic resources, such as biological material from plants and animals in the ocean. 

Threats to High Seas without International Regulation:

• The high seas are home to a diverse range of marine life and play a crucial role in the Earth’s climate and the global economy. However, without any international regulations to protect them, the high seas face numerous threats.
• The high seas are often exploited for their fish stocks, with many countries sending fleets to these areas to catch as much fish as possible. This overfishing can lead to the depletion of fish populations, which can have significant impacts on the marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of people who depend on fishing.
• They are also at risk of pollution from various sources, including oil spills, plastic waste, and toxic chemicals. This pollution can harm marine life, damage ecosystems, and even affect human health.
• They play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate, but they are also vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, ocean acidification, and sea level rise.
• The high seas are home to a wide range of natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas. Without proper regulations, these resources can be exploited in an unsustainable manner, leading to environmental damage and other negative impacts.
• The high seas are often exploited for illegal activities, including illegal fishing, piracy, and trafficking of drugs and people. These activities can have significant economic, social, and environmental impacts, and can be difficult to regulate without international cooperation.

Areas of Contention between Developing and Developed Countries:

• Developing countries often argue that they have a right to access the resources on the high seas, as they are a common heritage of mankind. Developed countries, on the other hand, argue that they have a greater stake in the resources, as they have invested more in the technology and infrastructure needed to exploit them.
• Developing countries lack the technical, financial, and human resources needed to participate in and implement the resulting agreements. Developed countries may be called upon to provide assistance to help build the capacity of developing countries in this area.
• The high seas are a potential source of valuable genetic resources, including those used in the development of new medicines and other products. Developing countries are concerned about intellectual property rights and access to these resources.
• Ensuring compliance with high seas regulations and agreements can be challenging, particularly in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Developing countries may be concerned that they lack the resources to enforce these regulations effectively, while developed countries may be concerned about the impact of non-compliance on their own economies and interests.
• Developing countries argue that developed countries have a greater responsibility to address climate change, given their historical emissions and greater economic resources. Developed countries are concerned with the feasibility of implementing mitigation and adaptation measures.

Also read: Exclusive Economic Zone 

Significance of the Treaty for Small Developing Countries:

• The establishment of rules and procedures for the sustainable management of high seas resources, including fisheries, minerals, and genetic resources could help ensure that these resources are used in a way that benefits smaller developing countries.
• Provisions for capacity building and technology transfer could help smaller developing countries participate more fully in high-seas activities, including scientific research and resource management.
• Environmental impact assessments and the regulation of activities that may harm marine life could benefit smaller developing countries by helping to protect their coastal ecosystems and the livelihoods of people who depend on them.
• The agreement establishes a more inclusive decision-making process, which could help ensure that the interests of smaller developing countries are taken into account. This could include greater representation in high-seas governance structures, as well as increased opportunities for consultation and implementation of high-seas regulations and agreements.

Read all the previous Sansad TV Perspective articles in the link.

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