Vulnerable coastal and marine areas: A framework for the planning of environmental security zones in the ocean

Abstract

Abstract The growing diversity of threats to the ocean environment keeps ocean management (or “governance”) on the agenda of environmental diplomacy. Between 1968 and 1973 the UNCLOS III framework was developed in such a way as to permit, or even facilitate the zoning of vulnerable coastal and marine areas for at least eight different kinds of designated areas, through a combination of regimes and zones. A more holistic, ecological approach to ocean management has been advocated since the end of UNCLOS III, and received the imprimatur of world community approval through the adoption of Agenda 21 at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). Five additional kinds of environmental zoning in the ocean are suggested by the ecological perspective adopted at UNCED. It is recommended that the major post‐Rio purpose should be to convert the language of global environmental ethics into more specifically operational ideas that can be implemented at national and regional levels.