On the second day of the Academy of the Sea’s international session, attention turned to one of the most complex and strategic areas of global governance; the law of the sea…
Covering more than 70 percent of the planet, oceans are essential to life, yet their regulation has only gradually taken shape, notably with the 1982 Montego Bay Convention defining maritime zones and sovereignty.
Recent developments, including the entry into force of the BBNJ agreement in 2026, were highlighted as major milestones in the protection of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. Experts described the law of the sea as a rare success of multilateral cooperation, particularly at a time when international consensus is often difficult to achieve.
The session also explored the growing importance of institutions such as the International Seabed Authority, which oversees the use of ocean resources, as well as the increasing geopolitical tensions linked to maritime spaces. Participants emphasised the need for more legal specialists and continued international engagement in this evolving field.
Monaco’s historical role in oceanography, dating back to Prince Albert I, was also recalled, alongside ongoing scientific efforts to better understand the Mediterranean. With environmental pressures mounting, the discussions reinforced a clear message: cooperation remains essential to safeguarding the future of the world’s oceans.
Image: Monaco Info
