EEZ Full Form

In the vast expanse of the world's oceans lies an intriguing maritime concept known as the EEZ, full form of which is Exclusive Economic Zone. This article sets sail on an exploration of EEZ, traversing EEZ full form, historical roots, the rights it bestows upon countries, and the geographical waters it encompasses. Embark on a journey to unveil the dynamics of EEZ and its significance on the global stage.

What is the Full Form of EEZ?

The full form of EEZ is Exclusive Economic Zone. This maritime jurisdiction extends beyond a country's territorial waters, encompassing an area within 200 nautical miles (370.4 kilometres) from its coast. Within the EEZ, a country possesses special rights regarding the exploration and utilisation of marine resources, both living and non-living. While EEZ grants sovereign rights, it is not equivalent to territorial waters, marking a unique zone where economic and environmental interests converge.

History and Origin of EEZ

• 1967: Truman Proclamation: The EEZ concept's inception can be traced back to the United States. In 1945, President Truman declared an area extending 200 miles off the U.S. coast where the country had exclusive rights over resources. Though not legally binding, this proclamation laid the foundation for future developments.
• 1970s-1980s:Codification Efforts: The concept gained traction internationally during the 1970s and 1980s. Negotiations led to the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III), resulting in the adoption of UNCLOS in 1982.
• 1982: UNCLOS Adoption: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) established EEZ as a legal concept. UNCLOS outlined the rights and responsibilities of coastal states within this zone, fostering cooperation and minimising conflicts.

Country's Rights in EEZ

Within the EEZ, full form of which is Exclusive Economic Zone, coastal states possess:

• Resource Jurisdiction: States have sovereign rights over natural resources, including fisheries, minerals, and oil and gas reserves.
• Environmental Protection: Countries must manage and conserve marine ecosystems to ensure sustainable resource utilisation.
• Research and Exploration: Coastal states can conduct scientific research and exploration activities for marine purposes.
• Submarine Cables and Pipelines: States have the authority to establish submarine cables and pipelines for communication and transportation.

Geographical Waters and Geographical Sea

• Geographical Waters: These comprise a state's territorial sea, extending 12 nautical miles (22.2 kilometres) from the coast. States exercise sovereignty over this zone, regulating navigation and resource usage.
• Geographical Sea: This term refers to the area beyond the territorial sea but within 200 nautical miles. The EEZ falls within the geographical sea and grants coastal states special rights while respecting international navigation rights.

UNCLOS and EEZ Framework

The foundation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ full form) is intricately tied to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This subheading delves into the following aspects:

• UNCLOS III Negotiations: Explore the historical context and deliberations during the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III) that led to the establishment of the EEZ concept.
• EEZ Legal Framework: Examine the specific articles within UNCLOS that define the legal framework of the EEZ, elucidating the rights and responsibilities of coastal states and other actors.
• Delimitation of EEZ Boundaries: Discuss the guidelines provided by UNCLOS for delimiting EEZ boundaries between neighboring states, addressing cases of overlapping zones and potential disputes.

EEZ Management and Challenges

Managing the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is not without its complexities and challenges. This subheading provides insights into the following:

• Resource Extraction and Sustainability: Explore the dual challenge of extracting marine resources from the EEZ while ensuring long-term sustainability, discussing approaches such as quotas and conservation measures.
• Overfishing and IUU Fishing: Address the persistent issue of overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing within EEZs, and delve into strategies for combating these activities.
• Environmental Conservation: Discuss the imperative of safeguarding marine ecosystems within the EEZ, covering topics such as marine protected areas, habitat preservation, and biodiversity conservation.
• Marine Pollution: Analyse the threats posed by marine pollution within the EEZ, including plastic waste, oil spills, and pollutants, and examine efforts to mitigate and prevent such contamination.

Future Sustainability of EEZ

The future sustainability of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) holds paramount significance as the world embraces ecological responsibility and balanced growth. In this context:

• Eco-Conscious Strategies: Explore evolving strategies that prioritise long-term ecological equilibrium, encompassing ecosystem preservation, sustainable resource extraction, and the mitigation of environmental impacts.
• Marine Biodiversity: Discuss the role of EEZ, full form of which is Exclusive Economic Zone, in conserving marine biodiversity, highlighting efforts to establish marine protected areas, restore habitats, and combat invasive species to ensure healthy ecosystems.
• Renewable Energy Exploration: Delve into the potential of EEZ as a platform for sustainable energy generation, encompassing offshore wind farms, wave energy, and tidal power projects to reduce carbon emissions.

Written By: Shivakshi Huria