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Abstract
This analytical study examines the concept of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and its significance for developing countries in the context of the ongoing United Nations Law of the Sea negotiations during the early 1980s. The article explores the historical development of the EEZ concept and analyzes how it represents a fundamental shift in maritime jurisdiction and resource management. The research investigates the positions and strategies of developing countries in the Law of the Sea negotiations, examining how they sought to balance national sovereignty with international cooperation in ocean governance. The study assesses the potential benefits of EEZs for developing coastal states, including fisheries management, mineral resource exploitation, and marine scientific research. The article also examines the challenges faced by developing countries in effectively managing their EEZs, including technical capacity limitations, surveillance and enforcement difficulties, and financial constraints. Furthermore, the analysis evaluates the broader implications of the new Law of the Sea regime for North-South relations and global resource governance.
Full Text
The Exclusive Economic Zone concept represented one of the most significant innovations in international law during the late 20th century, with this article providing a comprehensive examination of its implications for developing countries in the early 1980s. The research begins by tracing the historical development of maritime jurisdiction concepts, from traditional freedom of the seas principles to the emergence of extended resource zones in the post-World War II period. The analysis explores the negotiation dynamics at the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, examining how developing countries organized themselves into regional and interest-based groups to advance their maritime claims. The article investigates the economic potential of EEZs for developing countries, analyzing fisheries resources, hydrocarbon prospects, mineral deposits, and other marine resources within 200-mile zones. The study examines the legal framework of the EEZ regime, assessing the balance between coastal state rights and freedoms of navigation, overflight, and cable laying. The research evaluates the institutional mechanisms for EEZ management, including monitoring systems, enforcement capabilities, and international cooperation arrangements for transboundary resources. Based on the comprehensive assessment, the article analyzes both the opportunities and challenges that EEZs present for developing countries and proposes strategies for maximizing benefits while managing constraints. The findings provide valuable insights into how developing countries can leverage international law to advance their development objectives and contribute to understanding the evolution of ocean governance in the contemporary international system.