UN Ocean Conference moves high seas treaty closer to global law as India pledges ratification and calls for ocean protection
NEW DELHI: The UN Ocean Conference ended with the 'High Seas Treaty' moving closer to becoming a global law to safeguard life in international waters through long-term protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas.
A growing international call for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining was one of the highlights of the global meet, which concluded in Nice, France, on Friday.
Supporting a robust 'Nice Ocean Action Plan', India, during the conference, urged the international community to finalise the 'Global Plastics Treaty' and invest in science-based solutions to reverse the decline in ocean health. New Delhi also promised to ratify the 'High Seas Treaty' soon and suggested a 10-point roadmap for the future, focusing on sustainable development and ocean governance.
One of the core objectives of the five-day conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, was to help bring into force the landmark 'High Seas Treaty'—conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement—adopted in 2023 following 20 years of negotiation. It aims to address the growing biodiversity crisis for ocean life outside the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Cardiologists: Losing a Hanging Tummy Comes Down To This 1 Thing
newdietdiscovery
Learn More
Undo
The treaty will become law of the seas 120 days after the submission of the sixtieth instrument of ratification. So far, 50 members have already submitted their ratifications, while 15 others, including India and China, have committed to doing it soon. Nineteen out of 50 countries deposited their ratifications during the third UN Conference on the Ocean in Nice.
Though the US actively participated in the process when the treaty was adopted in 2023, the country under President Donald Trump took a back seat in Nice.
Union earth sciences minister Jitendra Singh, who represented India at the conference, informed the gathering that India was in the process of ratifying the treaty and urged the global community to accelerate the ratification of the BBNJ Agreement.
The 10-point roadmap for the future suggested by Singh includes the expansion of marine protected areas; scaling up the blue economy through sustainable fisheries and maritime trade; reducing marine pollution through waste management and circular economy principles, and promoting offshore renewable energy.
'Calls to halt deep-sea mining are growing, with 37 countries now supporting a precautionary pause or outright ban—a hopeful sign of political will to protect fragile ecosystems," said Tom Pickerell, Global Director, Ocean Programme, WRI.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
a few seconds ago
- The Hindu
Naidu lays out roadmap before Rajnath for defence sector investments in A.P.
In a determined bid to establish Andhra Pradesh as a national leader in defence and aerospace manufacturing, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has put forward a proposal to the Union Government, aiming to attract major strategic investments to the State. A delegation of senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Members of Parliament met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Thursday and submitted the Chief Minister's proposals, which outline a multi-pronged roadmap for defence development in the region. The delegation, led by MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu and joined by MPs Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy and Daggumalla Prasada Rao, conveyed Mr. Naidu's vision to transform Andhra Pradesh into a robust defence production hub. They submitted two detailed communications from the Chief Minister — both dated May 19 — laying out plans for setting up defence corridors, reviving existing infrastructure, and partnering with the Centre on high-impact manufacturing projects. At the core of the proposal is the establishment of four major defence and aerospace manufacturing clusters strategically located across the State. These include a missile and ammunition production zone in Jaggaiahpet–Donakonda, an aircraft and defence electronics hub in Lepakshi–Madakasira, a naval equipment and weapons testing complex in Visakhapatnam–Anakapalli, and a drone and robotics manufacturing unit in Kurnool–Orvakal region. Together, these clusters would cover over 23,000 acres and serve as the backbone of the State's defence industrial ecosystem. In addition to these hubs, the proposal seeks Central support for a ₹2,400 crore BEL Strategic Complex at Palasamudram and calls for the revival of the aluminium alloy plant of Utkal Alumina and Defence Ltd. (UADNL) in Nellore, which has a capacity of 60,000 TPA. Other projects outlined include land allocation for HAL's expansion plans, establishing an MRO and assembly facility for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program at Lepakshi–Madakasira, and setting up an Air Force Station at Donakonda to support nearby UAV and missile test ranges. Naval SEZ The letter also proposes a Naval SEZ and training centre in Visakhapatnam to support the Eastern Naval Command and allied operations. A DRDO Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence at IIT Tirupati has been suggested to strengthen R&D and innovation in collaboration with academia. To coordinate and oversee the scale of these initiatives, the proposal recommends engaging NITI Aayog, defence industry veterans, and scientific experts, including former DRDO Chairman G. Satheesh Reddy, to guide Andhra Pradesh's transition into a nationally significant defence manufacturing State. In his communication, Mr. Naidu emphasised that these proposals are aligned with the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and are aimed at strengthening India's self-reliance in defence technologies. He highlighted the dual goals of enhancing national security and creating large-scale employment and industrial growth in Andhra Pradesh. He also requested the Defence Ministry's recognition and support for the projects, stating that the proposed hubs will help the State emerge as a key contributor to India's defence and aerospace sector. The outreach marks a renewed and strategic push by Mr. Naidu to attract the country's largest defence investments and position Andhra Pradesh as a future-ready hub for innovation, manufacturing, and strategic capability.
Mint
a few seconds ago
- Mint
India's friendship package for Maldives: FTA talks, ₹4,850 crore line of credit, 72 large vehicles, and more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday during a two-day visit to the island nation. After receiving a ceremonial welcome at the Republic Square in Male, PM Modi was escorted to the President's Office in a cultural procession accompanied by the MNDF Drum and Trumpet Band. The Maldives National Defence Force on Friday said they presented PM Modi with the traditional 'Haiykolhu', a cherished Maldivian gesture of hospitality and honor. PM Modi was also honoured with a 'Guard of Honour' by the MNDF earlier, news agency ANI reported. Several key agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two nations – from India pledging a Line of Credit to Maldives to launching negotiations on a free trade agreement between the two countries. India on Friday singed a MoU to extend a ₹ 4,850 crore line of credit to the Maldives, continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting the developmental needs of the South Asian nation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing a press briefing, said that this will be the first line of credit extended to the Maldives denominated in Indian rupees, replacing the earlier dollar-denominated credit. "We have signed an MoU related to the extension of a fresh line of credit, of ₹ 4,850 crore to the Maldives. This is the first Line of Credit extended to the Maldives that is denominated in Indian rupees. The Line of Credit represents a continuation of the tradition of assistance to the development needs of the Maldives, and we expect that several infrastructure projects will be carried out as a result of this Line of Credit agreement, benefiting the lives of citizens here in the Maldives," Misri said. He added that the two sides also signed a mandatory agreement to amend the existing dollar line of credit between India and the Maldives. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu announced the beginning of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries during a joint press conference in Male with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Muizzu said, "I am also pleased to announce the initiation of negotiations for a free trade agreement between India and the Maldives. This landmark initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening our economic partnership." On trade cooperation, the Foreign Secretary expressed optimism over the early conclusion of the proposed India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (IMFTA). "I cannot point to an exact timeline... This is an FTA that we should be able to conclude rather quickly," he said. According to an ANI report, India and the Maldives also signed agreements to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors, including fisheries and aquaculture, as well as to promote digitalisation. An MoU was signed between the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the Maldives Meteorological Services (MMS), Ministry of Tourism and Environment. The Maldives has also agreed to recognise the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) -- India's official book of drug standards. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu said that the two leaders discussed ways to expand the tourist sector through enhanced cooperation and connectivity, including the commencement of direct flights to further enhance connectivity. He said, 'Our flagship greater Male connectivity project, once completed, will stand as a lasting symbol of the enduring partnership between India and Maldives. I express my sincere appreciation to India for the provision of 72 vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force.' 'The handover of the remaining 3,300 housing units from the 4,000 housing units project marks a major step forward in my government's policy in addressing housing needs across the Maldives,' the president said, adding, 'I thank the Government of India for its role as the Maldives principal partner in the health sector. India remains a key source market for Maldivian tourism.' 'We discussed ways to expand this vital sector through enhanced cooperation and connectivity, including the commencement of direct flights to further enhance this connectivity,' Muizzu further said.
Time of India
a few seconds ago
- Time of India
'Not going to change anything...': Trump torches Macron over plan to recognise Palestinian state
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said Palestinian militant group Hamas did not want to make a deal on a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. Trump made the comments to reporters at the White House one day after his Middle East peace envoy, Steve Witkoff, said the Trump administration had decided to bring its negotiating team home for consultations following Hamas' latest proposal. Show more Show less
