By Sivaja Nair, Rise Up Senior Campaigner

In a significant step for ocean conservation, RISE UP co-organized a two-day Regional Capacity Building Workshop on the BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) in Chennai, India. Held in collaboration with the High Seas Alliance and Bay of Bengal Programme (BoBP), the event brought together 11 countries from South and Southeast Asia, all united under one mission: the future of our High Seas.

Supported by the government of the Netherlands, the workshop focused on the BBNJ Agreement—a global treaty designed to protect biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). The discussions revolved around the opportunities and challenges the Treaty presents in a regional context. Let’s dive into what transpired and why it’s crucial for the ocean’s future.

The Chennai Workshop: A Crucial Gathering for the Region

This workshop was more than just a meeting of minds; it was a critical moment for countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, and others to come together and address the High Seas’ future. Government officials, NGOs, and representatives from the World Bank and IUCN all participated, focusing on how their countries could ratify and implement the BBNJ Treaty.

Participants dug into the real-world challenges and opportunities, in particular finding the balance between national interests and global conservation needs.For countries with strong maritime industries—fishing and shipping, for example—that means addressing concerns on how stricter environmental regulations might impact their economies. 

Decoding the Challenges: Bridging the Data Gap

One major issue that came up is something many ocean advocates know well: the lack of data on High Seas biodiversity. Many countries don’t have the resources to collect the necessary information from the High Seas. But this is where regional cooperation comes into play! By pooling resources, sharing research, and coordinating efforts, countries can strengthen their collective understanding and make smarter decisions for protecting the High Seas.

The workshop also highlighted how the BBNJ Agreement could align with existing environmental Treaties like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), building synergies to address broader challenges such as climate change and ocean pollution.

Strengthening Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)

As countries expand activities into the High Seas, the workshop emphasised the need for regional collaboration to update Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) policies to include Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ). This step will be critical as nations move toward ratifying the BBNJ Agreement. In particular, developing countries face challenges in implementing effective EIA frameworks due to limited resources, but with capacity-building support, they can overcome these hurdles and better protect their marine environments.

Unlocking High Seas Potential: Marine Protected Areas and Genetic Resources

A major highlight of the workshop was the discussion on Area-Based Management Tools (ABMT) and their potential to link existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within national waters to those in the High Seas. Imagine a vast, interconnected network of protected zones across borders, safeguarding marine life from illegal fishing and exploitation.

But, of course, it’s not that simple. Industries like shipping and deep-sea exploration need to be factored into the equation. Balancing economic activity with conservation remains a complex issue. Still, the benefits of a regional approach—such as shared technology, joint research, and collective capacity-building—are clear. ABMTs could be pivotal in tackling Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) and achieving the ambitious 30 by 30 target—a global commitment to protect 30% of the world’s land and sea by 2030  —set out by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The High Seas also hold vast potential in Marine Genetic Resources (MGR), which could lead to groundbreaking scientific discoveries. However, research in these areas is costly and logistically challenging. How can we navigate that? The BBNJ Agreement provides a framework for Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), ensuring that all countries can fairly benefit from the genetic wealth of the High Seas. Through regional cooperation, countries can pool their resources, share technologies, and align policies to tap into these treasures while ensuring fair distribution of benefits.

Participants at the workshop highlighted the critical role that Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs)  like the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) can play in making this vision a reality. Aligning national policies with the BBNJ Agreement is the first step toward ensuring these resources are managed equitably.

Building Capacity for All: A Crucial Step

A recurring theme throughout the workshop was the need for Capacity Building and Technology Transfer (CBTT), particularly for developing nations. These countries often lack the resources and expertise necessary to fully engage with the BBNJ Agreement. The workshop emphasised that capacity-building initiatives must be tailored to each nation’s specific needs, ensuring they don’t just receive new technologies, but also know how to use them effectively.

A key takeaway? Each country needs to conduct a national assessment to identify its capacity needs. By understanding their own strengths and weaknesses, nations can better prepare for the BBNJ Treaty’s ratification and implementation. Regional cooperation can also help address these challenges, opening up opportunities for mutual benefit through technology sharing and expertise exchange.

The Way Forward: A Collective Call to Action

So, what’s the next step? The Chennai workshop illuminated both the challenges and opportunities that come with implementing the BBNJ Agreement. Whether it’s building capacity, expanding EIA policies, or unlocking the potential of Marine Genetic Resources, regional cooperation will be key to ensuring that the High Seas are protected for generations to come.

This is where RISE UP’s Blue Call to Action shines. It’s about uniting governments, NGOs, communities, and industries to protect our ocean and ensure that the benefits of marine conservation are shared by all. 

Let’s carry this momentum forward and rise up for our ocean. By strengthening regional cooperation, sharing knowledge, and investing in technology, we can safeguard the high seas and make a lasting impact on global ocean conservation. The ocean needs us now more than ever, and it’s time to answer the call!