Rajnath Singh Advocates Shared Global Stewardship of Marine Resources
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasizes marine resources are global assets, urging shared responsibility for their protection.
Photo by Slim MARS
Editorial Analysis
The article reports on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's perspective, which advocates for marine resources to be treated as global commons, requiring shared responsibility and sustainable management by all nations.
Main Arguments:
- Marine resources are global commons, not exclusive national assets, necessitating collective stewardship.
- Oceans are vital for global trade, security, and environmental balance, covering 70% of Earth's surface.
- Sustainable and equitable exploitation of marine resources is crucial for the benefit of all humanity.
- Threats like IUU fishing, piracy, and marine plastic pollution demand stronger international frameworks and collaboration.
Conclusion
Policy Implications
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
UPSC Exam Angles
International Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, BBNJ)
India's Foreign Policy and Maritime Diplomacy (Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative)
Environmental Governance (Marine Pollution, Climate Change impacts on oceans)
Geopolitics and Maritime Security (IUU fishing, piracy, regional conflicts)
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 14: Life Below Water)
Visual Insights
Global Marine Commons & India's Strategic Maritime Interests
This map illustrates key maritime regions and strategic locations relevant to the concept of 'global commons' and India's advocacy for shared stewardship. It highlights areas of geopolitical importance and resource concentration.
Loading interactive map...
More Information
Background
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.
Latest 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.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
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?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
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).