Conservation of Marine Biodiversity

Recently, in an intergovernmental conference organized by the United Nations (UN), India and other member countries of the UN deliberated on a one-of-its-kind agreement to conserve marine biodiversity in the high seas, namely the oceans that extend beyond countries’ territorial waters.

• Unfortunately, the negotiations failed. After the latest deadlock, talks will only resume next year, unless a special session is called.

Context

• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of a country extends from its coast to about 200 nautical miles or 370 km into the sea, till where it has special rights for exploration. Waters beyond that are known as open seas or ....