Q. With reference to the High Seas Treaty, consider the following statements:
1.It is a legally binding treaty under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
2.Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) under the treaty refers to regions reserved exclusively for scientific research by developed nations.
3.It establishes a new framework for conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The High Seas Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, is a legally binding treaty under UNCLOS. It aims to protect marine biodiversity and regulate activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). The treaty introduces a framework for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) to evaluate and mitigate potential harm from activities in ABNJ, including cumulative impacts like climate change and ocean acidification.
Statement 2 is incorrect. MPAs under the treaty are not reserved exclusively for scientific research or for developed nations. Instead, they are areas designated for the protection of marine biodiversity and ecosystems, with provisions for sustainable use and equitable benefit-sharing.
Source: The Hindu
