Rajnath Singh Advocates Shared Global Stewardship of Marine Resources
Summary
What Happened
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at a maritime security conference, asserted that marine resources are not the exclusive asset of any single nation but belong to the global commons. He emphasized the need for collective responsibility in managing and protecting these vital resources, especially in the context of climate change and geopolitical shifts.
Context & Background
The statement comes amidst increasing geopolitical competition in maritime domains, rising concerns over marine pollution, and the impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems. Many nations, including India, rely heavily on marine resources for economic activities, food security, and strategic interests. The concept of "global commons" refers to areas and resources not subject to the jurisdiction of any one state, requiring international cooperation for their governance.
Key Details & Facts
Singh highlighted that the oceans, covering @@70%@@ of the Earth's surface, are crucial for global trade, security, and environmental balance. He stressed that exploitation of marine resources must be sustainable and equitable, benefiting all of humanity. The Minister also pointed out the threats posed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, maritime piracy, and marine plastic pollution, urging stronger international frameworks and collaboration to combat these challenges.
Implications & Impact
This stance by India's Defence Minister underscores India's commitment to a rules-based international order and sustainable use of global resources. It promotes a cooperative approach to maritime security and environmental governance, potentially fostering greater collaboration among nations in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. It also signals India's leadership in advocating for equitable access and responsible stewardship of shared marine wealth.
Exam Relevance
This editorial is highly relevant for ==International Relations== (GS-II), ==Environment & Ecology== (GS-III), and ==Internal Security== (GS-III), covering topics like maritime security, international law of the sea, climate change, marine pollution, and India's foreign policy.
Full Analysis
What Happened
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at a maritime security conference, asserted that marine resources are not the exclusive asset of any single nation but belong to the global commons. He emphasized the need for collective responsibility in managing and protecting these vital resources, especially in the context of climate change and geopolitical shifts.
Context & Background
The statement comes amidst increasing geopolitical competition in maritime domains, rising concerns over marine pollution, and the impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems. Many nations, including India, rely heavily on marine resources for economic activities, food security, and strategic interests. The concept of "global commons" refers to areas and resources not subject to the jurisdiction of any one state, requiring international cooperation for their governance.
Key Details & Facts
Singh highlighted that the oceans, covering @@70%@@ of the Earth's surface, are crucial for global trade, security, and environmental balance. He stressed that exploitation of marine resources must be sustainable and equitable, benefiting all of humanity. The Minister also pointed out the threats posed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, maritime piracy, and marine plastic pollution, urging stronger international frameworks and collaboration to combat these challenges.
Implications & Impact
This stance by India's Defence Minister underscores India's commitment to a rules-based international order and sustainable use of global resources. It promotes a cooperative approach to maritime security and environmental governance, potentially fostering greater collaboration among nations in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. It also signals India's leadership in advocating for equitable access and responsible stewardship of shared marine wealth.
Exam Relevance
This editorial is highly relevant for ==International Relations== (GS-II), ==Environment & Ecology== (GS-III), and ==Internal Security== (GS-III), covering topics like maritime security, international law of the sea, climate change, marine pollution, and India's foreign policy.
Background Context
The concept of marine resources as 'global commons' has evolved significantly from the historical doctrine of *Mare Liberum* (freedom of the seas) advocated by Hugo Grotius in the 17th century. This doctrine posited that the seas were open to all and incapable of appropriation. However, with technological advancements and increasing exploitation, nations began asserting jurisdiction over adjacent waters. This led to the development of various maritime zones, culminating in the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) and the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982. UNCLOS established a comprehensive legal framework for all ocean activities, defining territorial waters, contiguous zones, Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), and the continental shelf. Crucially, it designated the deep seabed and its resources as the 'common heritage of mankind,' requiring international cooperation for their management, thus laying the foundation for the modern understanding of marine global commons beyond national jurisdiction.
Current Developments
In recent years, the discourse around marine global commons has intensified due to several concurrent developments. Geopolitical competition in critical maritime chokepoints and resource-rich areas, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, has seen increased militarization and conflicting territorial claims. The adoption of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, in 2023 under UNCLOS, marks a significant step towards protecting marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction, addressing gaps in existing governance. Simultaneously, the global community is grappling with escalating marine plastic pollution, leading to ongoing negotiations for a legally binding international treaty. Furthermore, advancements in deep-sea mining technologies are opening new frontiers for resource extraction, raising complex questions about environmental impact and equitable benefit-sharing. India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and its emphasis on a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific reflect its proactive engagement in shaping the future of maritime governance.
Key Facts
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated marine resources are global commons
- Statement made at a maritime security conference
- Oceans cover 70% of Earth's surface
- Threats: IUU fishing, piracy, marine plastic pollution
- Advocates for sustainable and equitable exploitation
Practice MCQs
Question 1
With reference to the concept of 'Global Commons' in the context of marine resources, consider the following statements:
1. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of a coastal state is considered part of the 'Global Commons' as per UNCLOS.
2. The principle of 'common heritage of mankind' primarily applies to the resources of the deep seabed beyond national jurisdiction.
3. The recently adopted Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement aims to protect marine biodiversity in the high seas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline and is an area where the coastal state has sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing natural resources. It is NOT considered part of the 'Global Commons' which refers to areas beyond national jurisdiction (like the high seas and deep seabed).
Statement 2 is correct. The principle of 'common heritage of mankind' under UNCLOS specifically applies to the deep seabed and its mineral resources beyond national jurisdiction, meaning these resources should be managed for the benefit of all humanity.
Statement 3 is correct. The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, was adopted in 2023 to address the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (i.e., the high seas).
Mains Practice Questions
Question 1
India's advocacy for shared global stewardship of marine resources reflects its commitment to a rules-based international order. Discuss the challenges in achieving this vision and suggest measures for effective maritime governance.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2023 2023
Which of the following statements best reflects the concept of 'global commons' as highlighted in the context of marine resources?
- (a) Marine resources are exclusively owned and managed by the nations within whose Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) they are located.
- (b) Marine resources are the common heritage of humankind and should be managed through international cooperation and equitable access.
- (c) Marine resources are primarily the responsibility of international organizations like the UN to manage and distribute.
- (d) Marine resources should be exploited by nations with the technological and financial capacity to do so, ensuring maximum economic benefit.
Explanation: The concept of 'global commons' implies that resources are shared by all and should be managed cooperatively for the benefit of all humanity, ensuring equitable access and sustainable use.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2023 2023
Discuss the implications of viewing marine resources as 'global commons' for international relations and environmental governance. How can India contribute to ensuring the sustainable and equitable use of these resources?
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by oceans, as mentioned in the context of marine resources?
- (a) 50%
- (b) 60%
- (c) 70%
- (d) 80%
Explanation: The editorial states that oceans cover 70% of the Earth's surface.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
Which of the following is NOT highlighted as a threat to marine resources in the given context?
- (a) Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing
- (b) Maritime Piracy
- (c) Marine Plastic Pollution
- (d) Space Debris
Explanation: Space debris is not mentioned as a threat to marine resources in the given context. The threats mentioned are IUU fishing, maritime piracy, and marine plastic pollution.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
According to the given context, what is the primary focus of Rajnath Singh's statement regarding marine resources?
- (a) Promoting national ownership of marine resources
- (b) Advocating for shared global stewardship of marine resources
- (c) Emphasizing the economic benefits of exploiting marine resources
- (d) Prioritizing military dominance in maritime regions
Explanation: Rajnath Singh's statement primarily focuses on advocating for shared global stewardship of marine resources.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
Which of the following factors is NOT directly mentioned as a concern related to marine resources in the given passage?
- (a) Climate Change
- (b) Geopolitical Shifts
- (c) Marine Pollution
- (d) Cyber Security
Explanation: Cyber security is not directly mentioned as a concern related to marine resources in the given passage. Climate change, geopolitical shifts, and marine pollution are mentioned.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2023 2023
The concept of 'global commons' implies that marine resources should be:
- (a) Exclusively controlled by powerful nations
- (b) Subject to unilateral exploitation
- (c) Managed solely by international organizations
- (d) Managed through international cooperation and equitable access
Explanation: The concept of 'global commons' emphasizes international cooperation and equitable access in the management of shared resources like marine resources.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2023 2023
Which of the following poses a direct threat to maritime security, as highlighted in the given context?
- (a) Deforestation
- (b) Maritime Piracy
- (c) Soil Erosion
- (d) Industrial Revolution
Explanation: Maritime piracy is explicitly mentioned as a direct threat to maritime security in the given context.