UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international treaty that establishes guidelines for how nations use the world's oceans and their resources. Adopted in 1982, it defines maritime boundaries, including territorial waters and exclusive economic zones, and addresses issues like navigation rights, marine environmental protection, and resource management. UNCLOS aims to balance the rights of coastal states with the interests of the international community, promoting peaceful cooperation and sustainable use of ocean resources while preventing conflicts over maritime territory. It has been ratified by many countries, shaping global ocean governance.