Pacific Islands Countries Declare Permanent Maritime Baselines, Limits and Boundaries

The Pacific Island countries are in the front line of adverse impacts from sea level rise. For the last decade the South Pacific Forum Members have been seeking ways to preserve their entitlements to their maritime zones and resources in the event of inundation of coasts and coastal features as a result of sea level rise. The issue was explored by the International Law Association in its 2018 Report and is being considered by a Study Group of the International Law Commission. This 2021 Declaration by the 18 Members of the South Pacific Forum purporting to fix permanently their maritime entitlements represents a major development in State practice for the region.

Automated summary

The Pacific Island countries are actively seeking ways to protect their maritime rights, and the issue of sea level rise affecting the islands has attracted international attention. The declaration by the members of the South Pacific Forum aiming to permanently establish maritime entitlements represents a significant development in State practice for the region.