Towards sustainable oceans in the 21st century - Ocean Sustainability in the 21st Century - page 423

12.1 Introduction
Problems faced by the oceans are interconnected. The state parties to the 1982 United Na-
tions Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) declared that they were 'conscious that
the problems of ocean space are closely interrelated and need to be considered as a whole'
(UNCLOS, 1982 , Preamble). Therefore, we should tackle the problems of the oceans in an
integrated manner. Opportunities offered by the oceans should equally be interconnected.
State parties also recognized 'the historic significance of this Convention as an important
contribution to the maintenance of peace, justice and progress for all peoples of the world'
(UNCLOS, 1982 , Preamble) and that the achievement of its goals 1 would 'contribute to the
realization of a just and equitable international economic order which takes into account the
interests and needs of mankind as a whole and, in particular, the special interests and needs
of developing countries' (UNCLOS, 1982 , Preamble). Thus, we should bear in mind that
efforts aimed at making a better use of the oceans in the broader framework of UNCLOS
should be aimed ultimately at the maintenance of peace and sustainable development in an
equitable manner for all humankind.
More than fifteen years after the entering into force of UNCLOS, it is legitimate to ask
oneself whether the belief 'that the codification and progressive development of the law of
the sea achieved in this Convention' (UNCLOS, 1982 , Preamble) has indeed contributed 'to
the strengthening of peace, security, cooperation and friendly relations among all nations in
conformity with the principles of justice and equal rights and will promote the economic and
social advancement of all peoples of the world, in accordance with the Purposes and Prin-
ciples of the United Nations as set forth in the Charter' (UNCLOS, 1982 , Preamble). Our
preliminary assessment is: yes, but more could be done and better.
The findings, considerations, and recommendations contained in the ten substantive
chapters - Chapters 2 to 11 - in this topic deal with achievements and failures in our relation
withtheoceans,conflictsoverspace,thedegradationofmarinebiodiversityandensuingim-
pact on its life-supporting role, diminished ocean resources and inequitable access to them,