Explain the concept of the archepelagic doctrine
Answer (1)
Answer:The archipelagic doctrine is a legal principle that defines the territorial sea and airspace of a state composed of islands. It's a concept primarily used in international law, particularly in the context of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Here's a breakdown of the key elements: 1. The Concept: - Archipelagic States: Countries consisting of a group of islands, including their interconnecting waters and the waters enclosed by them.- Archipelagic Waters: The waters within the archipelagic baselines, which are straight lines connecting the outermost points of the outermost islands and drying reefs.- Archipelagic Sea Lanes: Designated sea lanes within archipelagic waters that are open to international navigation and overflight. 2. Key Features: - Territorial Sea: The archipelagic doctrine allows archipelagic states to claim a territorial sea extending 12 nautical miles from their archipelagic baselines. This means they have sovereignty over the waters, seabed, and airspace within this zone.- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Archipelagic states can also claim an EEZ extending 200 nautical miles from their archipelagic baselines. Within this zone, they have exclusive rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage the natural resources of the waters, seabed, and subsoil.- Right of Innocent Passage: Foreign vessels have the right of innocent passage through archipelagic waters, but this right is limited and subject to the archipelagic state's regulations.- Archipelagic Sea Lanes: Archipelagic states are required to designate sea lanes for international navigation and overflight. These lanes must be wide enough to allow for the safe passage of ships and aircraft. 3. Importance: - Territorial Integrity: The archipelagic doctrine helps archipelagic states maintain their territorial integrity by defining their maritime boundaries and airspace.- Resource Management: It grants archipelagic states control over their natural resources, including fisheries, minerals, and energy resources.- National Security: The doctrine contributes to national security by allowing archipelagic states to regulate maritime traffic and protect their waters from unauthorized access. 4. Examples: - Indonesia: One of the most prominent examples of an archipelagic state, Indonesia uses the archipelagic doctrine to define its maritime boundaries and manage its vast marine resources.- Philippines: The Philippines also uses the archipelagic doctrine to define its territorial sea and EEZ, particularly in the context of the South China Sea. 5. Challenges: - Disputes: The archipelagic doctrine can sometimes lead to disputes with neighboring countries, especially over the definition of archipelagic baselines and the designation of sea lanes.- Enforcement: Archipelagic states face challenges in enforcing their rights and regulations within their archipelagic waters, particularly against illegal fishing and other activities
