Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS)

The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) is an international body established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Its role is to review and evaluate sovereign states' submissions claiming extended continental shelf boundaries beyond their exclusive economic zones. The CLCS provides scientific and technical advice to ensure these boundaries are based on accurate geographic and geological data, helping countries define their rights to underwater resources like oil, gas, and minerals. This process promotes clear, internationally recognized boundaries, reducing conflicts and supporting sustainable management of marine resources.