The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is a multilateral treaty that establishes a framework of rules and principles to govern all ocean space. The Convention has been ratified by more than 157 countries, including some 47 Commonwealth member countries.
Commonwealth helps Maldives claim 165,000 sq km of additional seabed
27 July 2010
A successful submission to the UN will secure exclusive rights and access to potentially lucrative natural resources
Maldives has lodged a submission with the United Nations to secure access to additional areas of seabed under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
This submission will provide the basis for the exploration, conservation and development of important natural and living resources in the newly claimed areas. This includes oil, gas and minerals, as well as sedentary marine life.
With the submission, made on 26 July 2010, Maldives seeks to confirm rights to an additional 165,000 square kilometres of continental shelf.
What is a continental shelf?
The continental shelf of a coastal state comprises the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin, or to a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up to that distance. (Source: UN) The Commonwealth Secretariat provided legal and technical advice and assistance throughout the development of the submission, which will be examined by the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, based in New York.
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is a multilateral treaty that establishes a framework of rules and principles to govern all ocean space. The Convention has been ratified by more than 157 countries, including some 47 Commonwealth member countries.
“Making this submission represents a major achievement for this small island nation,” said Joshua Brien, Programme Leader and Legal Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat who oversaw the project. “The submission is world-class and stands as a testament to the hard work of a dedicated team of government officials and external advisors who have completed this complex task in record time.”
He added: “Lodging the submission on Maldives Independence Day reflects the significance that the Government attaches to it. I am very pleased that the Secretariat has been able to assist in this important work.”
The Secretariat provided assistance during the development of the submission in the form of in-house legal expertise and the engagement of scientific and technical experts to provide advice to the government Committee established to prepare the submission.
The submission will be formally presented in March 2011, and will then be subject to detailed examination by the UN’s Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. The Secretariat will continue to provide assistance to Maldives while the submission is being considered.
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