Chennai: Chennai is set to host a significant two-day event on August 27-28, bringing together South and Southeast Asian leaders and marine scientists to discuss the implementation of the United Nations' Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty.

The workshop, held at the Trident Hotel, is organized by the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) in collaboration with the High Seas Alliance (HSA) and RISE UP.

The BBNJ Agreement, adopted in March 2023 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is a pivotal step towards protecting marine biodiversity and addressing climate change.

India approved the treaty's signing on July 2.

Participants from countries like India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste will engage in discussions aimed at developing strategies for managing and conserving the high seas in the region.

Key topics include environmental impact assessment, marine genetic resources, and resource sharing.

Additionally, a regional dialogue on marine mammals and turtles will take place, particularly in light of the recent U.S. ban on wild-caught shrimp exports from India.

The workshop aims to produce recommendations for effectively implementing the BBNJ Agreement regionally, contributing to global marine conservation efforts.