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Briefly explain the international treaties governing ownership and control of the ocean and marine resources and the impacts it has on Papua New Guinea

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International treaties governing ownership and control of the ocean and marine resources primarily include the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which was adopted in 1982 and has been ratified by many countries, including Papua New Guinea (PNG). UNCLOS establishes guidelines for the use of the oceans, including territorial waters, exclusive economic zones (EEZs), continental shelf rights, and the protection of marine biodiversity.

Key aspects of UNCLOS:

  1. Territorial Sea and EEZ: Coastal states have sovereign rights over a 12-nautical-mile territorial sea and an exclusive economic zone extending 200 nautical miles from their baseline, where they can exercise rights over marine resources, fisheries, and mineral resources.

  2. Continental Shelf Rights: Coastal states can claim rights to the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles, allowing them to explore and exploit resources in this extended area.

  3. Environmental Protection: UNCLOS includes provisions for the conservation and sustainable use of marine environments, addressing pollution and habitat protection.

Impacts on Papua New Guinea:

  1. Resource Management: PNG has vast marine resources, including fisheries and mineral deposits. UNCLOS provides a framework for the management and sustainable exploitation of these resources within its EEZ, crucial for the country’s economy.

  2. Biodiversity Conservation: PNG's rich marine biodiversity can be better protected under the conservation mandates of UNCLOS, guiding policies and practices to mitigate overfishing and habitat destruction.

  3. Geopolitical Relations: PNG's adherence to UNCLOS strengthens its standing in international maritime disputes and negotiations, enhancing regional stability and cooperation concerning maritime issues.

  4. Economic Development: The framework creates opportunities for PNG to develop its marine industries sustainably, attracting investment while ensuring local communities benefit from resource use.

Overall, international treaties like UNCLOS play a critical role in shaping PNG's marine resource governance, impacting both its environmental sustainability and economic development.