Ocean governance in the Asean region and the United Nations convention on the law of the sea

Abstract

Attempts at implementing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea highlight the importance of integrating global, regional and national approaches to sustainable development. The institutionalisation of norms relating to ocean governance at the global level represents a new chapter in international law. However, the comprehensive implementation of the UNCLOS principle of sustainable development will require the further development of parallel, complimentary regional institutions. This article will focus on ocean governance initiatives within the ASEAN region and connect these with global trends in order to shed light on the prospects for the development of truly effective institutions promoting sustainable development of the oceans