UNCLOS stands for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea . It is an international agreement that establishes a legal framework for all marine and maritime activities .
Key Features of UNCLOS:
- Comprehensive Regime: UNCLOS lays down a comprehensive set of rules governing the uses of the ocean and its resources .
- Maritime Zones: The Convention defines different maritime zones, including :
- Internal Waters
- Territorial Sea (up to 12 nautical miles)
- Contiguous Zone (up to 24 nautical miles)
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (up to 200 nautical miles)
- Continental Shelf
- High Seas
- Rights and Responsibilities: UNCLOS outlines the rights and responsibilities of nations regarding navigation, fishing, resource management, and environmental protection in these zones .
- Dispute Resolution: The Convention provides mechanisms for settling disputes related to the interpretation or application of the treaty .
- Environmental Protection: UNCLOS includes provisions for the protection and preservation of the marine environment .
- Resource Management: It sets rules for the exploration and exploitation of marine resources, including minerals .
- Status: As of 2024, 169 parties, including 168 states and the European Union, are parties to the Convention .
