APP Users: If unable to download, please re-install our APP.
Only logged in User can create notes
Only logged in User can create notes

General Studies 2 >> International Relations

audio may take few seconds to load

EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE

EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE

1. Context

Stressing the need for establishing multi-national collaborative frameworks to effectively tackle common maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently, said ‘might is right’ has no place in a ‘free, open and rule-based’ maritime order. 
 

2. About exclusive economic zones (EEZ)

  • An exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is a maritime zone extending 200 nautical miles from a coastal nation's baseline. Within its EEZ, a coastal nation has exclusive rights to explore and exploit marine resources, including living and non-living resources. The EEZ also gives coastal nations jurisdiction over marine scientific research and the protection of the marine environment.
  • The concept of the EEZ was introduced in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which has been ratified by over 160 countries. The EEZ has become a key element of international maritime law, and it plays an important role in managing and protecting the world's oceans.
  • EEZs are important for several reasons. They provide coastal nations with exclusive access to valuable marine resources, such as fish, oil, and gas. EEZs also give coastal nations a role in managing and protecting the marine environment. For example, coastal nations can use their EEZs to establish marine protected areas and to regulate fishing activities.
  • EEZs can also be a source of conflict between coastal nations. For example, there have been disputes over EEZ boundaries in several areas, such as the South China Sea and the East China Sea. However, the EEZ regime has generally been successful in promoting peaceful cooperation among coastal nations in the management of the world's oceans.

3. UNCLOS 

  • UNCLOS 1982 is a landmark treaty that provides a comprehensive framework for the management and protection of the world's oceans.
  • It is the only global treaty that addresses all aspects of ocean law, from the delimitation of maritime boundaries to the protection of marine ecosystems.
  • UNCLOS 1982 has been ratified by over 160 countries, and it is widely considered to be the most important international treaty on ocean law.
  • It has played a vital role in promoting peace and cooperation among coastal nations and in protecting the marine environment.

3.1. The objectives of UNCLOS 

The objectives of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 are to promote peace, cooperation, and sustainable development in the world's oceans.

  1. Establish a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world's oceans and seas;
  2. Facilitate international communication and promote the peaceful uses of the seas and oceans;
  3. Promote the equitable and efficient utilization of ocean resources;
  4. Conserve and protect the living resources of the sea;
  5. Study, protect, and preserve the marine environment.

Examples of how UNCLOS 1982 has achieved its objectives:

  • UNCLOS 1982 has helped to resolve maritime boundary disputes between coastal nations. For example, UNCLOS 1982 was used to resolve a maritime boundary dispute between Colombia and Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea.
  • UNCLOS 1982 has helped to promote the sustainable use of ocean resources. For example, UNCLOS 1982 establishes several mechanisms for regulating fishing and other marine activities.
  • UNCLOS 1982 has helped to protect the marine environment. For example, UNCLOS 1982 requires countries to take measures to prevent pollution of the marine environment.

4. Conclusion

UNCLOS is often referred to as the "constitution for the oceans" and plays a crucial role in promoting international cooperation, managing ocean resources, protecting the marine environment, and resolving disputes related to the use of the seas and their resources. It is a key treaty in the field of international maritime law, contributing to peace, security, and sustainable development in the maritime domain.

 

For Prelims: Indian Ocean Region, exclusive economic zone, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, South China Sea, the East China Sea, marine ecosystems, international maritime law, 
For Mains: 
1. How can India work with other countries in the region to promote cooperation and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region? (250 Words)
 
 
Previous Year Questions
 
1. With reference to 'Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)', consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015) 
1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills. 2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only       B. 2 only       C. Both 1 and 2           D. Neither 1 nor 2
 
Answer: D
 
2. With reference to 'Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)' sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017) 
1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an EI Nino's impact on the monsoon.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only       B. 2 only         C. Both 1 and 2            D.  Neither 1 nor 2
 
Answer: B
 
3. With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention.
2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.
3. The Exclusive Economic zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only          B.  2 and 3 only         C. 1 and 3 only          D. 1, 2 and 3
 
Answer: D
 
4. The South China Sea Dispute involves which of the following countries? (CDS GK 2019)
1. China
2. Vietnam
3. Malaysia
4. Indonesia
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 and 4          B. 1 and 2 only        C. 1, 2 and 3            D.  2, 3 and 4
 
Answer: C
 
5. Which country has renamed part of South China Sea as the North Natuna Sea? (OPSC OAS 2018)
A. Indonesia       B. Malaysia        C. Brunei         D. Philippines
 
Answer: A
 
6. Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news? (UPSC 2022)
A. It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.
B. China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.
C. A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities.
D. Though International Court of Justice declared them as no man's land, some South-East Asian countries claim them.
 
Answer: B
 
7. In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are important as they increase marine productivity by bringing the  (UPSC 2011)
1. decomposer microorganisms to the surface.
2. nutrients to the surface.
3. bottom-dwelling organisms to the surface.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1 and 2    B. 2 only            C.  2 and3         D.  3 only
 
Answer: B
 
8. Consider the following kinds of organisms: (UPSC 2021) 
1. Copepods
2. Cyanobacteria
3. Diatoms
4. Foraminifera
Which of the above are primary producers in the food chains of oceans?
A. 1 and 2       B. 2 and 3       C. 3 and 4        D. 1 and 4
 
Answer: B
 
Mains
1. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (2016)
 
Source: Indianexpress

Share to Social