• UGI USER
  • May 11, 2024
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UNEARTHING EARTH’S LIQUID GOLD:

EXPLORING THE QUEST FOR UNDERSEA FRESHWATER RESOURCES”

 

Syllabus:

GS 3:

  • Environmental Conservation
  • Water Resources
Source: MDPI

Focus:

The article delves into the emerging quest for freshwater resources, particularly beneath the ocean floor, highlighting scientific discoveries, legal frameworks, and implications for sustainable development goals.

Exploring Underwater Freshwater Sources:

  • Surprising Discoveries: Reports highlight instances of freshwater discoveries beneath saline oceans, including rivers under the sea, like the one found at the bottom of the Black Sea.
  • Volume of Freshwater: Despite being a scarce resource, statistics reveal that a significant portion of freshwater exists underground, including beneath the ocean bed.
  • Depletion Concerns: With freshwater reserves depleting, nations are turning to explore and exploit underwater freshwater sources within their maritime zones.
  • Technological Advancements: Advancements in drilling technologies and underwater exploration methods have facilitated the discovery and extraction of freshwater from underwater sources.
  • Economic Potential: The exploration and exploitation of underwater freshwater sources present significant economic opportunities for countries facing freshwater scarcity, potentially reducing dependence on surface freshwater reserves.

Legal Framework: The Law of the Sea:

  • UNCLOS and Customary International Law: UNCLOS serves as a comprehensive guide for maritime governance, yet customary international law remains influential.
  • Applicability Challenges: Some nations, like the US, are signatories to earlier conventions on the law of the sea, posing challenges in enforcing UNCLOS provisions.
  • Sovereignty Issues: The delineation of maritime boundaries and sovereignty claims over underwater freshwater sources may lead to disputes among neighbouring countries, requiring legal resolution mechanisms.
  • Environmental Concerns: Regulations governing underwater freshwater extraction must address environmental conservation and preservation of marine ecosystems affected by drilling activities.
  • Resource Management: Effective resource management frameworks are needed to ensure sustainable extraction of underwater freshwater sources and prevent overexploitation that could harm marine ecosystems.
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

  • The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982, establishes legal guidelines for marine and maritime activities globally.
  • Also referred to as the Law of the Sea, UNCLOS delineates marine zones into five categories: Internal Waters, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and the High Seas.
  • UNCLOS is unique as it offers a legal framework for state jurisdiction in maritime spaces, assigning different legal statuses to each maritime zone.
  • It serves as the foundation for governance of offshore areas by coastal states and international navigation.
  • UNCLOS not only demarcates the offshore areas of coastal states but also outlines their rights and responsibilities within these zones.
  • Despite being signed and ratified by most coastal nations in the South China Sea, there are ongoing disputes regarding its interpretation.
  • Similar maritime disputes exist in the East China Sea as well.

Regulating Underwater Resources:

  • Definition of Resources: UNCLOS defines resources as minerals, raising questions about whether freshwater falls under this category.
  • Role of International Seabed Authority: The Authority oversees activities in the Area, including exploration and extraction of minerals, but clarity is needed on freshwater regulation.
  • Licensing and Permitting: Regulations governing underwater freshwater extraction should include mechanisms for licensing and permitting to ensure compliance with environmental standards and international law.
  • International Cooperation: Collaborative agreements and treaties are essential for coordinating efforts among nations to regulate underwater freshwater resources and prevent conflicts over jurisdiction.
  • Enforcement Mechanisms: Mechanisms for enforcing regulations and monitoring activities in the Area must be established to prevent illegal extraction and ensure compliance with international law.

Potential Conflict and Exploration:

  • Future Resource Wars: Given freshwater’s increasing scarcity, the Area could become a focal point for exploration and extraction, akin to oil wells.
  • Economic Competition: Competition among nations for access to underwater freshwater sources may escalate, leading to geopolitical tensions and potential conflicts over resource ownership.
  • Environmental Impact: The exploration and extraction of underwater freshwater sources may have adverse environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and pollution, necessitating stringent regulations and mitigation measures.
  • Technology Risks: The use of advanced drilling technologies for underwater exploration carries risks of accidents and spills, posing threats to marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
  • Diplomatic Resolution: Diplomatic negotiations and conflict resolution mechanisms must be in place to address disputes over underwater freshwater resources and promote peaceful coexistence among nations.

Towards Sustainable Development Goals:

  • Global Development Agenda: The exploration and sustainable management of underwater freshwater sources align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
  • Water Security: Access to freshwater is essential for achieving various SDGs, including those related to health, poverty alleviation, food security, and ecosystem preservation.
  • International Cooperation: Collaborative efforts among nations are crucial for addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable water management practices, in line with SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals.
  • Environmental Conservation: Protecting underwater freshwater sources contributes to SDG 14 on marine conservation and SDG 15 on terrestrial ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
  • Capacity Building: Supporting developing countries in exploring and managing underwater freshwater resources enhances their capacity to achieve multiple SDGs related to water, sanitation, and environmental sustainability.


Way Forward / Towards Sustainable Development Goals:

  • Global Development Agenda: The exploration and sustainable management of underwater freshwater sources align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
  • Water Security: Access to freshwater is essential for achieving various SDGs, including those related to health, poverty alleviation, food security, and ecosystem preservation.
  • International Cooperation: Collaborative efforts among nations are crucial for addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable water management practices, in line with SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals.
  • Environmental Conservation: Protecting underwater freshwater sources contributes to SDG 14 on marine conservation and SDG 15 on terrestrial ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
  • Capacity Building: Supporting developing countries in exploring

and managing underwater freshwater resources enhances their capacity to achieve multiple SDGs related to water, sanitation, and environmental sustainability.

  • Community Empowerment: Engaging local communities in the management and conservation of underwater freshwater sources fosters ownership and participation, contributing to SDG 16 on inclusive governance and SDG 6 on community well-being.
  • Climate Resilience: Sustainable use of freshwater resources supports climate resilience efforts, as water scarcity and quality are closely linked to climate change impacts, reinforcing SDG 13 on climate action.
  • Research and Innovation: Investing in research and innovation for exploring and harnessing underwater freshwater sources promotes technological advancements aligned with SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, fostering sustainable development pathways.

Conclusion:

As nations turn to explore underwater freshwater sources, navigating the legal and regulatory landscape becomes paramount. International cooperation and legislative clarity are essential to ensure sustainable and equitable access to this precious resource.

Source:The Hindu

Main Practice Question:

Discuss the potential implications of exploring underwater freshwater sources and the legal challenges associated with regulating these resources under the Law of the Sea. How can international cooperation facilitate sustainable management of underwater freshwater reservoirs?

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/preparing-india-for-water-stress-climate-resilience/