Legal Aspects of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Sea

Legal Aspects of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Sea

Author: Mitja Grbec

Publisher:

Published: 2023

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781032435695

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"Providing a comprehensive analysis of the current legal basis for the establishment and further development of area-based conservation tools in the Mediterranean Sea, this book explores provisions under international law and the relevant region frame works to explore transboundary marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) implemented at sub-regional level"--


Book Synopsis Legal Aspects of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Sea by : Mitja Grbec

Download or read book Legal Aspects of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Sea written by Mitja Grbec and published by . This book was released on 2023 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Providing a comprehensive analysis of the current legal basis for the establishment and further development of area-based conservation tools in the Mediterranean Sea, this book explores provisions under international law and the relevant region frame works to explore transboundary marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) implemented at sub-regional level"--


Legal Aspects of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Sea

Legal Aspects of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Sea

Author: Mitja Grbec

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2023-09-11

Total Pages: 265

ISBN-13: 1000935213

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Providing a comprehensive analysis of the current legal basis for the establishment and further development of area-based conservation tools in the Mediterranean Sea, this book explores provisions under international law and the relevant region frame works to explore transboundary marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) implemented at sub-regional level. Under the European Union’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, EUmember States will be responsible for designating the additional protected and strictly protected areas, either by expanding or completing the so-called ‘NATURA 2000’ Network or under national protection schemes through the establishment of national MPAs, including possible transboundary MPAs and OECMs established in accordance with the provisions of the relevant regional seas conventions. This book provides a discussion of the juridical status of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas as parts of a wider enclosed or semi-enclosed Mediterranean Sea, followed by an assessment of the interrelation between global, regional, sub-regional and national legal frameworks on MPAs and OECMs. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the legal basis regarding the establishment of national and, where appropriate, transboundary MPAs and OECMs. Discussing relevant examples of good practice related to transboundary and MPAs, the book will provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities related to the establishment of a transboundary Mediterranean Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI), based on the provisions of the relevant Protocol to the Barcelona Convention, as well as on the challenges and opportunities related to the establishment of a transboundary international marine park and on the feasibility of the establishment of one or more Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) within the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and beyond. The book will be of interest to policy makers, practitioners and academics with an interest in public international law, law of the sea and sustainable ocean governance.


Book Synopsis Legal Aspects of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Sea by : Mitja Grbec

Download or read book Legal Aspects of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Sea written by Mitja Grbec and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2023-09-11 with total page 265 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Providing a comprehensive analysis of the current legal basis for the establishment and further development of area-based conservation tools in the Mediterranean Sea, this book explores provisions under international law and the relevant region frame works to explore transboundary marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) implemented at sub-regional level. Under the European Union’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, EUmember States will be responsible for designating the additional protected and strictly protected areas, either by expanding or completing the so-called ‘NATURA 2000’ Network or under national protection schemes through the establishment of national MPAs, including possible transboundary MPAs and OECMs established in accordance with the provisions of the relevant regional seas conventions. This book provides a discussion of the juridical status of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas as parts of a wider enclosed or semi-enclosed Mediterranean Sea, followed by an assessment of the interrelation between global, regional, sub-regional and national legal frameworks on MPAs and OECMs. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the legal basis regarding the establishment of national and, where appropriate, transboundary MPAs and OECMs. Discussing relevant examples of good practice related to transboundary and MPAs, the book will provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities related to the establishment of a transboundary Mediterranean Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI), based on the provisions of the relevant Protocol to the Barcelona Convention, as well as on the challenges and opportunities related to the establishment of a transboundary international marine park and on the feasibility of the establishment of one or more Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) within the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and beyond. The book will be of interest to policy makers, practitioners and academics with an interest in public international law, law of the sea and sustainable ocean governance.


Unresolved Issues And New Challenges to the Law of the Sea

Unresolved Issues And New Challenges to the Law of the Sea

Author: Anastasia Stratē

Publisher: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 371

ISBN-13: 9004151915

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This work analyzes the management of shared fish stocks; protection of the underwater cultural heritage; the possibilities of establishing marine protected areas and other means for safeguarding vulnerable marine ecosystems; the use of the high seas for intelligence as well as recent developments on interdiction of vessels on the high seas. Special emphasis is paid to the role of international courts and tribunals in the progressive development of the law of the sea as well as the ability of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to accommodate new uses and challenges, such as new concerns, new technological possibilities, in particular, new contexts and functions of established rules. The 1982 Convention seems capable of coping with most of them, although it remains useful to explore its possibilities and limits. This work, covering many aspects, will be useful to anyone interested in the law of the sea.


Book Synopsis Unresolved Issues And New Challenges to the Law of the Sea by : Anastasia Stratē

Download or read book Unresolved Issues And New Challenges to the Law of the Sea written by Anastasia Stratē and published by Martinus Nijhoff Publishers. This book was released on 2006 with total page 371 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This work analyzes the management of shared fish stocks; protection of the underwater cultural heritage; the possibilities of establishing marine protected areas and other means for safeguarding vulnerable marine ecosystems; the use of the high seas for intelligence as well as recent developments on interdiction of vessels on the high seas. Special emphasis is paid to the role of international courts and tribunals in the progressive development of the law of the sea as well as the ability of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to accommodate new uses and challenges, such as new concerns, new technological possibilities, in particular, new contexts and functions of established rules. The 1982 Convention seems capable of coping with most of them, although it remains useful to explore its possibilities and limits. This work, covering many aspects, will be useful to anyone interested in the law of the sea.


Marine Specially Protected Area:The General Aspects and the Mediterranean Regional System

Marine Specially Protected Area:The General Aspects and the Mediterranean Regional System

Author: Tullio Scovazzi

Publisher: Kluwer Law International B.V.

Published: 1999-01-01

Total Pages: 300

ISBN-13: 9041111298

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In the last few years several States have established specially protected marine areas under their domestic legislation. At the international level the trend towards providing an increased protection to certain marine spaces has also been reflected in a number of treaties and declarations. This volume reviews the recent developments in the field of specially protected marine areas and preservation of the marine environment in general with particular emphasis on a specific region, the Mediterranean Sea. Special attention is devoted to the latter for three reasons. First, the regional framework for the protection of the environment in the Mediterranean (the so-called Barcelona system) has recently been updated and strengthened. Second, the Mediterranean is a typical example of the category of semi-enclosed seas where international cooperation between the bordering States should be particularly encouraged in various fields; this also explains why the scope of this book has been enlarged to also cover fisheries, a field which is closely connected to the sustainable development of marine areas. Last and least, the parochial inclination of the editor also influenced his choice. To complete the picture the relevant texts have been reproduced and a series of maps showing some specially protected marine areas have been drawn.


Book Synopsis Marine Specially Protected Area:The General Aspects and the Mediterranean Regional System by : Tullio Scovazzi

Download or read book Marine Specially Protected Area:The General Aspects and the Mediterranean Regional System written by Tullio Scovazzi and published by Kluwer Law International B.V.. This book was released on 1999-01-01 with total page 300 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the last few years several States have established specially protected marine areas under their domestic legislation. At the international level the trend towards providing an increased protection to certain marine spaces has also been reflected in a number of treaties and declarations. This volume reviews the recent developments in the field of specially protected marine areas and preservation of the marine environment in general with particular emphasis on a specific region, the Mediterranean Sea. Special attention is devoted to the latter for three reasons. First, the regional framework for the protection of the environment in the Mediterranean (the so-called Barcelona system) has recently been updated and strengthened. Second, the Mediterranean is a typical example of the category of semi-enclosed seas where international cooperation between the bordering States should be particularly encouraged in various fields; this also explains why the scope of this book has been enlarged to also cover fisheries, a field which is closely connected to the sustainable development of marine areas. Last and least, the parochial inclination of the editor also influenced his choice. To complete the picture the relevant texts have been reproduced and a series of maps showing some specially protected marine areas have been drawn.


The Extension of Coastal State Jurisdiction in Enclosed or Semi-Enclosed Seas

The Extension of Coastal State Jurisdiction in Enclosed or Semi-Enclosed Seas

Author: Mitja Grbec

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-12-04

Total Pages: 318

ISBN-13: 1135115087

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The current jurisdictional status of the Mediterranean Sea is remarkable. Nearly 50 per cent of the Mediterranean waters are high seas and therefore beyond the jurisdiction of coastal States. This situation means that there are no points in the Mediterranean Sea where the coasts of two States would be more than 400 nautical miles apart. Such a legal situation generally prevents coastal States from adopting and enforcing their laws on the Mediterranean high seas, in respect of many important fields such as the protection and preservation of the marine environment, as well as the conservation of marine living resources. The jurisdictional landscape of the Adriatic Sea as a sub-sea and sub-region of the Mediterranean, is even more interesting. Croatia has proclaimed an Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone, Slovenia has proclaimed a Zone of Ecological Protection, while Italy has adopted a framework law for the proclamation of its Zone of Ecological Protection without proclaiming its regime in the Adriatic. It is noteworthy that if all Mediterranean and Adriatic States would proclaim an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), there would not be a single stretch of high seas left in the entire Mediterranean Sea. Both the Adriatic and Mediterranean fall in the category of enclosed or semi-enclosed seas regulated by Part IX of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This book assesses the legal nature of Part IX of UNCLOS and discusses potential benefits of the extension of coastal State jurisdiction (proclamation of EEZs and/or similar sui generis zones), particularly in light of the recent calls towards an integrated and holistic approach to the management of different activities in the Mediterranean Sea. It examines the actual or potential extension of coastal State jurisdiction in the Adriatic Sea, against the background of similar extensions elsewhere in the Mediterranean and against the background of relevant EU policies. It additionally explores whether Part IX of UNCLOS imposes any duties of cooperation in relation to the extension of coastal State jurisdiction in enclosed or semi-enclosed seas, and puts forward practical suggestions as to how the issue of extension of coastal State jurisdiction could be approached in a way which would enhance States existing cooperation and improve the overall governance in the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. This book will be of interest to policymakers and academics and students of international law, and the law of the sea.


Book Synopsis The Extension of Coastal State Jurisdiction in Enclosed or Semi-Enclosed Seas by : Mitja Grbec

Download or read book The Extension of Coastal State Jurisdiction in Enclosed or Semi-Enclosed Seas written by Mitja Grbec and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-12-04 with total page 318 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The current jurisdictional status of the Mediterranean Sea is remarkable. Nearly 50 per cent of the Mediterranean waters are high seas and therefore beyond the jurisdiction of coastal States. This situation means that there are no points in the Mediterranean Sea where the coasts of two States would be more than 400 nautical miles apart. Such a legal situation generally prevents coastal States from adopting and enforcing their laws on the Mediterranean high seas, in respect of many important fields such as the protection and preservation of the marine environment, as well as the conservation of marine living resources. The jurisdictional landscape of the Adriatic Sea as a sub-sea and sub-region of the Mediterranean, is even more interesting. Croatia has proclaimed an Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone, Slovenia has proclaimed a Zone of Ecological Protection, while Italy has adopted a framework law for the proclamation of its Zone of Ecological Protection without proclaiming its regime in the Adriatic. It is noteworthy that if all Mediterranean and Adriatic States would proclaim an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), there would not be a single stretch of high seas left in the entire Mediterranean Sea. Both the Adriatic and Mediterranean fall in the category of enclosed or semi-enclosed seas regulated by Part IX of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This book assesses the legal nature of Part IX of UNCLOS and discusses potential benefits of the extension of coastal State jurisdiction (proclamation of EEZs and/or similar sui generis zones), particularly in light of the recent calls towards an integrated and holistic approach to the management of different activities in the Mediterranean Sea. It examines the actual or potential extension of coastal State jurisdiction in the Adriatic Sea, against the background of similar extensions elsewhere in the Mediterranean and against the background of relevant EU policies. It additionally explores whether Part IX of UNCLOS imposes any duties of cooperation in relation to the extension of coastal State jurisdiction in enclosed or semi-enclosed seas, and puts forward practical suggestions as to how the issue of extension of coastal State jurisdiction could be approached in a way which would enhance States existing cooperation and improve the overall governance in the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. This book will be of interest to policymakers and academics and students of international law, and the law of the sea.


The European Community and Marine Environmental Protection in the International Law of the Sea

The European Community and Marine Environmental Protection in the International Law of the Sea

Author: Veronica Frank

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2007-09-30

Total Pages: 504

ISBN-13: 9047422341

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The European Community and its member states have shared competences in marine environmental matters. As a consequence, they have jointly acceded to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC) and most marine-related international agreements, which have been concluded in form of “mixed agreements”. This book looks at the manner in which the Community implements its international obligations in the specific fields of the prevention of oil pollution from ships, the regulation of ocean dumping and the protection of marine habitats through the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), especially looking at the division of competence with the member states and the conformity of the Community’s regulatory action with the jurisdictional framework established by the LOSC. By examining the subject from both a law of the sea and EC law perspectives, the books offers a comprehensive and interesting picture of the action taken by the Community to preserve the European marine environment.


Book Synopsis The European Community and Marine Environmental Protection in the International Law of the Sea by : Veronica Frank

Download or read book The European Community and Marine Environmental Protection in the International Law of the Sea written by Veronica Frank and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2007-09-30 with total page 504 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The European Community and its member states have shared competences in marine environmental matters. As a consequence, they have jointly acceded to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC) and most marine-related international agreements, which have been concluded in form of “mixed agreements”. This book looks at the manner in which the Community implements its international obligations in the specific fields of the prevention of oil pollution from ships, the regulation of ocean dumping and the protection of marine habitats through the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), especially looking at the division of competence with the member states and the conformity of the Community’s regulatory action with the jurisdictional framework established by the LOSC. By examining the subject from both a law of the sea and EC law perspectives, the books offers a comprehensive and interesting picture of the action taken by the Community to preserve the European marine environment.


The International Legal Regime Relating to Marine Protected Areas in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction

The International Legal Regime Relating to Marine Protected Areas in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction

Author: Wen Duan

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2022-06-20

Total Pages: 406

ISBN-13: 9004516913

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The International Legal Regime Relating to Marine Protected Areas in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction identifies the ‘participatory’, ‘competence’ and ‘geographical’ gaps in the international legal regime relating to marine protected areas (MPAs) in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) and provides insight into how to address these gaps. The book concludes that the gaps can be addressed only to a limited extent under the current international legal framework; however, the prospective international legally binding instrument (ILBI) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) might well make further contributions.


Book Synopsis The International Legal Regime Relating to Marine Protected Areas in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction by : Wen Duan

Download or read book The International Legal Regime Relating to Marine Protected Areas in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction written by Wen Duan and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2022-06-20 with total page 406 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The International Legal Regime Relating to Marine Protected Areas in Areas beyond National Jurisdiction identifies the ‘participatory’, ‘competence’ and ‘geographical’ gaps in the international legal regime relating to marine protected areas (MPAs) in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) and provides insight into how to address these gaps. The book concludes that the gaps can be addressed only to a limited extent under the current international legal framework; however, the prospective international legally binding instrument (ILBI) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) might well make further contributions.


Regional Co-operation and Protection of the Marine Environment Under International Law

Regional Co-operation and Protection of the Marine Environment Under International Law

Author: Nilufer Oral

Publisher: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

Published: 2013-07-11

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 9004250867

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In Regional Co-operation and Protection of the Marine Environment Under International Law: The Black Sea, Nilufer Oral examines the regional co-operation mechanism for protection and preservation of the Black Sea marine environment within the framework of international law, and subsequently identifies the necessary components for a robust regional regime based on best legal practices. The book provides a thorough review of the complex modern challenges related to the Black Sea, with particular emphasis on biodiversity, fisheries, land-based pollution and vessel-based sources of pollution. A history of regional co-operation in the Black Sea offers an enlightening comparison to the development of regional co-operation in international law, in particular, to Part IX of the 1982 United Nations (Montego Bay) Convention on the Law of the Sea. Further comparative analyses, such as the existing regional regime of the Black Sea as established under the 1992 UNEP Regional Seas Programme, and selected regional seas programmes, including the acquis communautaire of the European Union, cohere into a firm foundation of present findings, upon which basis the author makes recommendations for the future. All those interested in the Law of the Sea, international environmental law, and fisheries management will find a critical new text in Regional Co-operation and Protection of the Marine Environment Under International Law: The Black Sea.


Book Synopsis Regional Co-operation and Protection of the Marine Environment Under International Law by : Nilufer Oral

Download or read book Regional Co-operation and Protection of the Marine Environment Under International Law written by Nilufer Oral and published by Martinus Nijhoff Publishers. This book was released on 2013-07-11 with total page 321 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Regional Co-operation and Protection of the Marine Environment Under International Law: The Black Sea, Nilufer Oral examines the regional co-operation mechanism for protection and preservation of the Black Sea marine environment within the framework of international law, and subsequently identifies the necessary components for a robust regional regime based on best legal practices. The book provides a thorough review of the complex modern challenges related to the Black Sea, with particular emphasis on biodiversity, fisheries, land-based pollution and vessel-based sources of pollution. A history of regional co-operation in the Black Sea offers an enlightening comparison to the development of regional co-operation in international law, in particular, to Part IX of the 1982 United Nations (Montego Bay) Convention on the Law of the Sea. Further comparative analyses, such as the existing regional regime of the Black Sea as established under the 1992 UNEP Regional Seas Programme, and selected regional seas programmes, including the acquis communautaire of the European Union, cohere into a firm foundation of present findings, upon which basis the author makes recommendations for the future. All those interested in the Law of the Sea, international environmental law, and fisheries management will find a critical new text in Regional Co-operation and Protection of the Marine Environment Under International Law: The Black Sea.


Protecting the Oceans Beyond National Jurisdiction

Protecting the Oceans Beyond National Jurisdiction

Author: Robin Warner

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2009-02-23

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 9047426096

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Knowledge of the marine environment beyond national jurisdiction and its unique biodiversity is still developing. Simultaneously, traditional uses of these areas including fishing and shipping, are intensifying and new uses are emerging such as bio-prospecting for marine genetic resources and climate change mitigation activities. This volume examines the threats to the marine environment beyond national jurisdiction from existing and emerging human uses and the adequacy of current international law provisions to protect this major part of the global environment. An analysis of key provisions in the 1982 United Nations Law of the Sea Convention and complementary principles of international environmental law reveals significant tensions between the concept of high seas freedoms and the international law obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment beyond national jurisdiction. The book compares the lack of comprehensive environmental regulation for marine resource exploitation and shipping activities beyond national jurisdiction with the best practice standards for environmental protection being developed by the International Seabed Authority for deep seabed mining exploration. Recent initiatives by the international community to study issues relating to conservation of high seas biodiversity are discussed and a range of soft and hard law options to strengthen the international law framework for protection of the marine environment beyond national jurisdiction are considered.


Book Synopsis Protecting the Oceans Beyond National Jurisdiction by : Robin Warner

Download or read book Protecting the Oceans Beyond National Jurisdiction written by Robin Warner and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2009-02-23 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Knowledge of the marine environment beyond national jurisdiction and its unique biodiversity is still developing. Simultaneously, traditional uses of these areas including fishing and shipping, are intensifying and new uses are emerging such as bio-prospecting for marine genetic resources and climate change mitigation activities. This volume examines the threats to the marine environment beyond national jurisdiction from existing and emerging human uses and the adequacy of current international law provisions to protect this major part of the global environment. An analysis of key provisions in the 1982 United Nations Law of the Sea Convention and complementary principles of international environmental law reveals significant tensions between the concept of high seas freedoms and the international law obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment beyond national jurisdiction. The book compares the lack of comprehensive environmental regulation for marine resource exploitation and shipping activities beyond national jurisdiction with the best practice standards for environmental protection being developed by the International Seabed Authority for deep seabed mining exploration. Recent initiatives by the international community to study issues relating to conservation of high seas biodiversity are discussed and a range of soft and hard law options to strengthen the international law framework for protection of the marine environment beyond national jurisdiction are considered.


Marine Protected Areas Network in the South China Sea

Marine Protected Areas Network in the South China Sea

Author: Vu Hai Dang

Publisher: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers

Published: 2014-01-09

Total Pages: 338

ISBN-13: 9004266356

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The once pristine and rich marine environment of the South China Sea is degrading at an alarming rate due to the rapid socioeconomic development of the region. Despite this, and due mainly to complicated sovereignty and maritime disputes, coastal States have not been able to develop effective regional cooperation to safeguard the shared marine environment. Marine Protected Areas Network in the South China Sea discusses legal and political measures to support the development of a network of marine protected areas in the South China Sea. Such a network, if properly developed, would not only help to protect the marine environment and resources of the region but also contribute to decreasing the tension among its coastal States. These measures are suggested in accordance with international law, based on the specific geopolitical context of the South China Sea region and take into consideration experiences in developing regional networks of marine protected areas from other marine regions.


Book Synopsis Marine Protected Areas Network in the South China Sea by : Vu Hai Dang

Download or read book Marine Protected Areas Network in the South China Sea written by Vu Hai Dang and published by Martinus Nijhoff Publishers. This book was released on 2014-01-09 with total page 338 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The once pristine and rich marine environment of the South China Sea is degrading at an alarming rate due to the rapid socioeconomic development of the region. Despite this, and due mainly to complicated sovereignty and maritime disputes, coastal States have not been able to develop effective regional cooperation to safeguard the shared marine environment. Marine Protected Areas Network in the South China Sea discusses legal and political measures to support the development of a network of marine protected areas in the South China Sea. Such a network, if properly developed, would not only help to protect the marine environment and resources of the region but also contribute to decreasing the tension among its coastal States. These measures are suggested in accordance with international law, based on the specific geopolitical context of the South China Sea region and take into consideration experiences in developing regional networks of marine protected areas from other marine regions.