Finance
Yesterday, India signed an international pact to safeguard marine biodiversity on the high seas during the United Nations General Assembly session.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
He said on X, “India is proud to join the BBNJ Agreement, an important step towards ensuring that our oceans remain healthy and resilient.”
This Agreement aims to ensure that marine life is maintained and used sustainably on the high seas, which are beyond nations’ territorial waters, and the exclusive economic zone might stretch up to 370 kilometers from the coastlines, covering approximately two-thirds of all oceans.
The pact, which was negotiated for approximately 20 years before being adopted internationally last year, prohibits damaging fishing and pollution.
The pact prohibits governments from claiming sovereign rights over marine resources on the high seas, and it ensures an equal distribution of profits from those resources. In July, India’s Cabinet authorized its participation in the deal.
Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Earth Sciences, said at that time, “India remains committed and proactive to the global cause of environmental conservation and sustainable development.”
Earth Sciences Secretary M. Ravichandran said, “The BBNJ Agreement allows us to enhance our strategic presence in areas beyond our EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), which is very promising” and further strengthens our marine conservation efforts.
Source:IANS
