Interconnected principles of ocean governance through science-policy integration under the judgements of the international dispute settlement bodies

Abstract

International Dispute Settlement Bodies (IDSBs), through their judgements, have consistently urged the States to take scientific approaches in ocean governance for marine environmental protection. There has been the development of significant jurisprudence which undertake policy principles with scientific prescription in ocean governance. The jurisprudence relating to maritime dispute resolution has primarily relied on the interpretative criteria of ‘integration’ for science and policy as specified in the Vienna Convention. Indeed, this principle of ‘integration’ integrated ‘science-policy’ through various concepts, and IDSBs applied and endorsed the ‘rule of law’, ‘cooperation’, ‘precaution’ and ‘ecosystem-based approach’ to lay stress on the progressive ocean governance. This also reflects that the scientific basis in jurisprudence demonstrates a change in the international organisations’ interests (of environmental protection and global sustainability). Moreover, it is also suggested at the end how the provisions related to Marine Scientific Research can be purposefully developed and maintained to protect the marine environment and ecosystems in light of the decisions of the IDSBs. This research article analysed the relevant jurisprudence to explain the principles for science-policy integration, which operates in ocean governance for marine environmental protection.

Coastal cities governance in the context of integrated coastal zonal management: a sustainable development goal perspective under international environmental law for ‘coastal sustainability’

“…A better method to achieve 'coastal sustainability' as a concept is the primary objective of this research. In this context, 'coastal sustainability' is defined in terms of Sustainable Development Goal -14 (SDG -14' life below water') (Zhang et al, 2023). The two coastal goals in SDG -14 urged for sustainable management of coastal ecosystems to "avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and act for their restoration, and conservation of at least 10 percent of coastal areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information" (Zulfiqar and Butt, 2021).…”