Law of the Sea ... Law of the Peoples*

*UN Charter, Preamble
 

The extremely interdisciplinary nature of the oceans highlights the relevance of UNCLOS and International Law in response to the challenges posed by the deepening exercise of jurisdiction, and use of oceanic space by States as a consequence of the expansion of scientific knowledge of marine environments.

 

Their preservation and protection, the sustainable exploration and exploitation of their resources, the food security and management of fish stocks and fisheries, the production of marine energies, the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, and the impacts of the use of the oceans over climate change, and thus over human life, are only a few of such challenges already posed to all States.

 

The preservation of peace rests upon the strengthening of mechanisms of peaceful settlement of disputes represented by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.

 

As a legal counselor to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, I am fully aware on the relevance and impact of all these challenges, including their close relation to other conventions and international agreements. 

 

I have been working for the last 28 years as a consultant and lawyer in shipping, maritime law and law of the sea. During this time I have worked with success in judicial and arbitral cases, and negotiations in 15 different countries covering all continents and distinct legal systems.

 

As a scholar, I have taught international law, law of the sea, fisheries law, law applied to marine bioprospection, among others sea-related matters for the last 23 years. I have published and edited 5 books and over 40 articles on the law of the sea, environmental law, and international law. I have offered over 135 public presentations, technical works and interviews.

 

I would be very honored to serve the international community in searching for answers to all of these challenges. 

 

I am also prepared to place my expertise and knowledge at the service of the States Parties and the Tribunal for the peaceful settlement of disputes related to the implementation and application of the UNCLOS.

 

This is why I feel very honored to have been nominated as a candidate to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.

 

Rodrigo More