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Difficulty: HardEnvironmental Issues, Conservation Reports, and Climate Summits

With reference to the High Seas Treaty (Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction - BBNJ) adopted under global environmental governance, consider the following statements:

1. It is an international legally binding agreement established under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
2. The scope of the agreement covers marine biological resources and conservation measures within member states' Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
3. It creates a legal framework for establishing Area-Based Management Tools, including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), in international waters.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A
    1 and 2 only
  2. 1 and 3 onlyAnswer
  3. C
    2 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The BBNJ treaty operates under UNCLOS and establishes MPAs in international waters, but excludes sovereign EEZs.
The option stating '1 and 3 only' is correct. The High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) was developed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and provides mechanisms for creating Marine Protected Areas in international waters. It strictly applies to areas beyond national jurisdiction, excluding Exclusive Economic Zones.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding the framework of the BBNJ Treaty.
Statement 1 is correct. The BBNJ Agreement was formally adopted as an international legally binding instrument under the framework of UNCLOS.
Verify the governance umbrella of international marine agreements.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding the territorial scope of the agreement.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) explicitly refer to the high seas and the international seabed area, excluding Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and territorial seas of coastal states.
Differentiate between sovereign EEZs (up to 200 nautical miles) and international high seas.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding the mechanisms provided by the agreement.
Statement 3 is correct. One of the main pillars of the BBNJ Agreement is setting up Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs), including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), to conserve ocean biodiversity in international waters.
Identify core pillars of the BBNJ agreement.

Key Concept

High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) Scope and UNCLOS Framework
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Topics

Environmental Issues, Conservation Reports, and Climate Summits

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