17 Apr

Question of the Day – BBNJ Treaty

QOTD April 17,2026

Consider the following statements regarding the BBNJ Treaty:

1. It deals with conservation of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
2. It is legally binding on all countries regardless of ratification.
3. It addresses issues related to marine genetic resources and benefit sharing.
4. It is a part of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea framework.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
The treaty focuses on biodiversity conservation in high seas beyond EEZs.

Statement 2 is incorrect
It becomes binding only after countries ratify it.

Statement 3 is correct
It includes provisions for fair sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources.

Statement 4 is correct
It is an implementing agreement under UNCLOS framework.

Why in news–

The BBNJ Treaty, formally known as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, has gained attention as countries move towards its ratification and implementation. Negotiated under the framework of the United Nations, the treaty aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which cover nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans. It is significant for issues like marine genetic resources, environmental impact assessments, and equitable sharing of benefits, especially for developing countries like India.

News-https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-in-the-process-of-ratifying-high-seas-treaty-union-mos-jitendra-singh-10059453/

There are more questions from this topic that you should practice to make your concepts stronger.

Practice Questions (PQ)

PQ1.Consider the following statements:

1. Areas beyond national jurisdiction include the high seas and the seabed beyond continental shelf limits.
2. BBNJ Treaty introduces mandatory environmental impact assessments for certain activities.
3. The treaty completely bans fishing in international waters.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 only

Answer : (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
ABNJ includes high seas and deep seabed areas beyond national control.

Statement 2 is correct
EIA provisions are a core component of the treaty.

Statement 3 is incorrect
It regulates activities but does not impose a complete ban on fishing.

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PQ2. Consider the following statements:

1. BBNJ Treaty provides for creation of Marine Protected Areas in high seas.
2. It ensures technology transfer and capacity building for developing countries.
3. Only coastal states can participate in the treaty.
4. It covers issues of pollution from land-based sources.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

 Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
It allows designation of marine protected areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Statement 2 is correct
Capacity building and technology transfer are key provisions.

Statement 3 is incorrect
All UN member states can participate, not only coastal states.

Statement 4 is incorrect
Land-based pollution is mainly covered under other frameworks, not BBNJ.

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PQ3.Consider the following statements:

1. The BBNJ Treaty aims to implement provisions of UNCLOS related to biodiversity.
2. Marine genetic resources under the treaty are treated as common heritage of mankind.
3. The treaty establishes a Conference of Parties (COP) mechanism.
4. It replaces UNCLOS as the primary law governing oceans.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

 Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
It operationalizes biodiversity-related aspects under UNCLOS.

Statement 2 is incorrect
Debate exists, but it does not fully classify them as common heritage.

Statement 3 is correct
A COP body is established for governance and decision-making.

Statement 4 is incorrect
It supplements UNCLOS, not replaces it.

 Previous Year Question (UPSC Prelims)

With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), consider the following statements:

1. UNCLOS provides for a dispute resolution mechanism.
2. It defines the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) up to 200 nautical miles.
3. It grants coastal states full sovereignty over EEZ.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct
UNCLOS provides mechanisms like ITLOS for dispute settlement.

Statement 2 is correct
EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from baseline.

Statement 3 is incorrect
Coastal states have sovereign rights, not full sovereignty, in EEZ.