Will the rising sea water levels because of climate change compel States to shift their baselines inward, thus affecting the outward limits of their maritime zones? What is the role played by coastal geography in the legal regime determining the outward limits of maritime zones? What are the consequences of changes to coastal geography? To what extent are dispute settlement procedures before an international court or tribunal immune from this concern? Is international law able to address this?
A distinctive feature of modern international law is the concept of maritime zones. Coastal geography is a fundamental component of a long-standing method, developed and agreed upon between States, to establish the outward limits of these areas. A feature of this method is the baseline. In international law, it is the only reference line from where the outward limits of maritime zones are measured.
The instability of maritime boundaries due to a changing sea level is the topic explored in the new publication titled ‘Sea Level Change and Maritime Boundaries’, written by Dr Antoine Grima, Head of the Environmental and Resources Law Department within the Faculty of Laws at the University of Malta.
The book was launched on Friday 12 April at the Valletta Campus, in the presence of several members of the UM academic community, who enjoyed a talk by Dr Grima about long-term challenges brought about by a changing climate.
During the event, Prof. Kevin Aquilina and Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino gave an insightful analysis of the repercussions in international law brought about by a change to a State’s coastal geography from two different perspectives.
In his book appreciation, Prof. Aquilina ponders upon the relevance of Civil Law to sea level change before moving on to discuss sea level change from an International Law of the Sea perspective. He concludes by identifying other facets of this research that can be developed in further publications on the subject under review.
In turn, Prof. Baldacchino noted the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration especially when addressing issues identified by the author where the relationship between international law and coastal geography is clear. With reference to Malta, a small island state, he also emphasised the importance of preserving land territory which in this context the sea is clearly an enemy. In this regard, it was suggested that the coast, especially those areas of the coast where Malta’s base points are located, are monitored for erosion, and increasing sea levels.
Following a brief discussion on various points raised by the audience which highlights the purpose of the book was also launched.
Amongst others, attending the event were the High Commissioner of Australia, Mr Matt Skelly, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Mr Chris Cutajar, the Chancellor of the University of Malta, Judge Prof. David Attard, the Dean of the Faculty of Laws, Dr Ivan Mifsud and representatives from the Continental Shelf Department.
Full details about the book can be found .
