Doha: The 12th Conference of the Advisory Board on the Law of the Sea (ABLOS), held under the auspices of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the International Association of Geodesy (IAG), commenced in Doha on Tuesday. The two-day conference, taking place from October 7 to 8, is themed “Is UNCLOS fit for purpose in modern times: Achievements, challenges and new pathways.”
According to Qatar News Agency, ABLOS Chair Fiona Bloor presided over the session, where speakers emphasized the need to enhance the Convention’s flexibility and develop its implementation mechanisms to address new challenges facing seas and oceans. Key focus areas included marine environmental protection, the promotion of the blue economy, and integrated ocean governance.
The session included presentations from various experts and specialists. Dr. Elfatih El Rasheed Elnour of the Standing Committee of the Convention on the Law of the Sea discussed the Convention’s role in tackling contemporary challenges. He highlighted the importance of updating certain provisions to align with technological and environmental developments, while noting its achievements in replacing disorder with a legal system and stabilizing maritime claims.
Dr. Elnour emphasized that the Convention remains effective due to its adaptability, suggesting further development through new implementation agreements or international court interpretations. He also highlighted the role of the Conference of the States Parties in evolving the Convention.
Professor Andrew Serdy from the University of Southampton discussed the Convention’s flexibility, asserting that its provisions provide a solid legal foundation that can be enhanced without renegotiation. He noted challenges in implementing or amending certain articles, due to countries striving to balance rights and obligations, advocating for a more flexible interpretation approach.
Dr. Adnan Alazizi of Oman’s Foreign Ministry addressed the Convention’s successes and shortcomings in marine environment protection. He stressed the need for monitoring tools and international cooperation to reduce marine pollution, pointing out the ABLOS commission’s role in governing seas and facilitating the Convention’s implementation.
Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode of Nigeria’s National Hydrographic Agency shared Nigeria’s experience in promoting the blue economy through integrated ocean governance. He underscored that the Convention’s principles contribute to sustainable development for coastal states and highlighted its role in balancing sea regulation needs with state interests. The Convention is a framework defining obligations and rights, supported by agreements in maritime transport, fisheries, and biodiversity conservation.