WHY WAS THE EEZ CREATED
WHY WAS THE EEZ CREATED?
The Genesis of the Exclusive Economic Zone
The concept of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to several pressing concerns confronting coastal states. Various factors converged to necessitate the establishment of the EEZ, primarily driven by the desire to regulate and manage marine resources, prevent conflicts between nations, and ensure equitable access to ocean resources.
Delimiting Territorial Waters
Prior to the emergence of the EEZ, the extent of a country's territorial waters was generally limited to three nautical miles from its coastline. However, technological advancements in fishing and resource extraction techniques allowed vessels to venture farther into the oceans, raising concerns about overfishing and depletion of marine resources. The need arose to extend the jurisdiction of coastal states beyond their territorial waters to effectively manage and conserve these resources.
Securing Economic Interests
The expansion of maritime activities, such as fishing, oil and gas exploration, and seabed mining, heightened the importance of securing economic interests for coastal states. The EEZ provided a legal framework that allowed countries to assert their sovereign rights over the natural resources within a defined maritime zone. This enabled them to derive economic benefits from these resources, contributing to their economic growth and development.
Preventing Conflict and Ensuring Cooperation
The increasing competition for marine resources had the potential to escalate tensions between nations and lead to conflicts. The establishment of the EEZ provided a mechanism for resolving disputes and promoting cooperation among neighboring states. By clearly delineating the boundaries of each country's EEZ, it helped prevent misunderstandings and conflicts arising from competing claims over marine resources.
Protecting the Marine Environment
The growing awareness of the importance of protecting the marine environment also played a role in the creation of the EEZ. Coastal states realized that they had a responsibility to safeguard the marine ecosystems within their EEZs. The EEZ provided a framework for implementing measures to protect marine biodiversity, prevent pollution, and regulate activities that could harm the marine environment.
Conclusion
The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) was created in response to a confluence of factors that demanded a comprehensive approach to managing marine resources, preventing conflicts, ensuring economic benefits, and protecting the marine environment. It has become an essential tool for coastal states to exercise their sovereign rights and responsibilities over a vast expanse of ocean space, contributing to sustainable development and promoting peaceful relations among nations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- The primary purpose of the EEZ is to provide coastal states with exclusive rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage the natural resources within a defined maritime zone.
- The EEZ is determined by measuring 200 nautical miles from the baseline of a country's territorial sea.
- Coastal states have sovereign rights over the exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of natural resources, including living and non-living resources. They also have jurisdiction over marine scientific research and environmental protection within their EEZs.
- Territorial waters extend up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline, while the EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline. Coastal states have full sovereignty over their territorial waters, while they have sovereign rights and jurisdiction over their EEZs.
- The EEZ provides coastal states with economic benefits from marine resources, promotes sustainable development, prevents conflicts over marine resources, and contributes to the protection of the marine environment.
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