UN Commission Advances Continental Shelf Submissions
NEW YORK, 24 March — The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) concluded its sixty-third session at United Nations Headquarters, focusing on critical submissions from various coastal states. Running from 17 February to 21 March, the session included plenary meetings and technical examinations of submissions related to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Under-Secretary-General Elinor Hammarskjöld highlighted the Commission’s vital role while addressing ongoing budgetary challenges faced by the UN Secretariat.
Key Submissions Reviewed
During the session, the Commission evaluated submissions from several coastal states, including Mauritius, Palau, Portugal, Spain, Namibia, Cuba, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Notably, Brazil presented revised submissions concerning its Equatorial Margin and the Brazilian Oriental and Meridional Margin. The Commission also reviewed submissions from Iceland regarding the Reykjanes Ridge and the Russian Federation concerning the Gakkel Ridge in the Arctic Ocean. The high-level representation from delegations, including ministers from Mozambique, Cuba, and Russia, underscored the importance of these submissions.
The Commission approved recommendations for Brazil’s Equatorial Margin, Cuba’s submission in the Gulf of Mexico, and Iceland’s Reykjanes Ridge submission. However, the Commission deferred its consideration of Guyana’s submission due to an objection from Venezuela. The ongoing discussions reflect the complexities of maritime boundaries and the importance of collaboration among coastal states.
Establishment of New Subcommissions
In response to the progress made during the session, the Commission decided to establish new subcommissions to address submissions from Mexico, Tanzania, and Denmark regarding the Southern Continental Shelf of Greenland. This strategic move aims to enhance the efficiency of the Commission’s work, allowing for parallel consideration of multiple submissions. The appointment of Ahmed Er Raji from Morocco to the subcommissions and the election of David Cole Mosher from Canada as Vice-Chair for the remainder of the term further demonstrate the Commission’s commitment to effective governance.
Additionally, the Commission is exploring initiatives to improve its operational efficiency, including the development of technical bulletins and standardized templates for submissions. These efforts are crucial for streamlining processes and ensuring that all coastal states receive the support they need in preparing their submissions.
Funding Challenges and Future Initiatives
Despite the Commission’s progress, financial constraints pose a significant challenge. The secretariat reported a lack of earmarked voluntary trust fund contributions for training courses aimed at assisting states with their submissions. If contributions are not received by April, the secretariat may be unable to fulfill its mandate in 2025. This situation highlights the need for continued support from member states to ensure the Commission can effectively carry out its responsibilities. As the Commission moves forward, it remains focused on enhancing its work and addressing the needs of coastal states. The outcomes of this session will be detailed in the Chairperson’s Statement, providing further insights into the Commission’s ongoing efforts to support the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
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