The International Law of the Sea

By reason of their geography, landlocked and geographically disadvantaged States cannot fully use the oceans and it is thus not surprising that these States have sought to safeguard their special interests. As a consequence, the LOSC provides specific rules with regard to the rights of landlocked and geographically disadvantaged States. As these States are also members of the international community, it is important to secure their right to engage in marine activities. Thus this chapter will address particularly the following issues: (1) the definition of landlocked and geographically disadvantaged States, (2) the right of access to and from the sea and navigational rights, and (3) participation in the exploitation of natural resources and marine scientific research in the EEZ of another State.