CYIL vol. 15 (2024)

CYIL 15 ȍ2024Ȏ THIRTY YEARS SINCE THE ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE UN CONVENTION … example, the commitment to apply precautionary approach, as expressed in Principle 15 of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration. The Chamber also noted that the obligation to assess the possible impacts of activities on the seabed on the marine environment is an obligation under customary international law. The opinion thus significantly interprets the activity on the seabed in relation to the protection of the marine environment. 62 Conclusion In conclusion, it can be stated that the Convention on the Law of the Sea is not a completely perfect document, but no international treaty is. Some of the problems associated with its interpretation and implementation have been indicated above. These are, for example, some terms associated with the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf. The high number of contracting parties is significant, as well as the fact that even non contracting states mostly act in accordance with its provisions. In its substantive provisions, the Convention is largely considered to be an expression of customary international law. The Convention is an important codification document that covers all parts of the sea and the seabed. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is a living instrument and as such is still evolving. The proof is the adoption of three agreements that implement and develop its provisions. The role of the organs that were created on the basis of it for the implementation of its provisions, especially the Seabed Office, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, also the arbitration tribunals created on the basis of the Convention or the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, is also significant. The role of other international organizations to which the Convention refers, especially the International Maritime Organization, is also important for the implementation of the rules of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

62 ONDŘEJ, J. Settlement of disputes and responsibility concerning the seabed beyond the limits of national jurisdiction in relation to individuals (natural and juridical persons) in: Studies in international law , vol. 4, Prague, Charles University, Faculty of Law, 2012, pp. 146, 148.

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