Resource Use Conflicts in Arctic Waters: A Legal Perspective

Abstract

This chapter seeks to place the resource use conflicts discussed in this book in the wider legal framework of Arctic and oceans governance. The chapter briefly sketches out the regimes for the exploration and exploitation of natural resources in the various maritime zones as laid out in the UNCLOS; it then goes on to examine the legal framework for environmental protection in the Arctic region, particularly focussing on shipping, oil and gas, marine scientific research and the regime of fisheries. It then gives an overview of some elements of Arctic governance from an institutional perspective.