UPSC Mains 2023 · GS II · Q20 · 15 marks · 250 words

‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’ Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.

हिन्दी में

‘समुद्र ब्रह्मांड का एक महत्वपूर्ण घटक है’ उपरोक्त कथन के आलोक में पर्यावरण रक्षण और समुद्री संरक्षा एवं सुरक्षा को बढ़ाने में आई.एम.ओ. (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय समुद्री संगठन) की भूमिका पर चर्चा करें ।

Global InstitutionsGlobal Commons and TreatiesSecurity and Strategic Affairs

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement.”

Siddharth ShuklaAIR 18 · CSE 2022 · 162 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

United Nation Convention on Laws of the seas oversees international governance and cooperation in matter related to oceans and high seas.

Body · points

Significance of UNCLOS

  1. Commission on demarcation of Continental shelf of UNCLOS aids in demarcation of territorial water, exclusive economic zone etc.

  2. International Sea Bed Authority (ISA)

  • allocated ocean basin for mineral exploration. Eg. India was allocated 75000 km in Central Indian Ocean Basin.
  • aids in bathymetric survey of ocean floors.
  1. UNCLOS Tribunal settles international disputes Eg. India - Italy dispute on shooting of fishermen.
  • China - Phillipenes dispute in South - China sea.

Need for Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement

  1. To protect Antarctica and Arctic ice shelf from biodiversity loss.
  2. Create a transnational marine protected area network.
  3. Transboundary nature of marine ecosystems necessitates it.
  4. Due to rising challenge of ocean acidification and sea level rise.

Close · a way forward

UNCLOS should be given authority to conserve Marine Biodiversity Areas in over international waters.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper II, Q20. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.