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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH says rising sea levels could shift maritime boundaries

PH says rising sea levels could shift maritime boundaries

Published Sep 20, 2023 06:57 am

The Philippines has expressed alarm over the rising levels of waters caused by climate change as it said it could negatively affect the stability of international territorial boundaries.

In its submission for the advisory proceedings before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), the Philippines pushed the tribunal to define the obligations of small island states in protecting the marine environment in relation to climate change.

This came as the Philippines said it was concerned about the “grave consequence of sea level rise to peace and security” as currently, it also faces territorial challenges in the South China Sea.

“The rising levels of the oceans will inundate islands of low-lying coastal states, which could potentially shift maritime boundaries,” the Philippines said in a 33-page submission alternately delivered by Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Carlos Sorreta, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Maria Angela Ponce and Assistant Solicitor General Gilbert Medrano.

“The potential loss of maritime boundaries as a result of sea level rise will inevitably lead to conflicts in fisheries and other marine resources but more importantly could impact the stability of boundaries,” it added.

Such could “trigger conflict” among concerned nations, according to the Philippines.

The country also noted an arbitral tribunal’s concern when it settled a maritime dispute between India and Bangladesh after raising that maritime would be jeopardized if climate-related changes were allowed to influence the delimitation process.

“The Philippines believes that international courts and tribunals, and the world itself, would not necessarily have to face this dilemma if we are able to stay a step ahead of climate change,” it said.

“Staying a step ahead, is the existential challenge for us all, as emphasized by President Marcos at the UN General Assembly last year: ‘There is no other problem so global in nature that it requires a unified effort,’” it added.

Advisory proceedings at the ITLOS, which started on Sep. 11, are being held until Sep. 25 after the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) requested the tribunal last year to issue an advisory opinion with regards to the members' obligation in protecting the marine environment.

The Philippines said ITLOS has jurisdiction to and must advise as its decision "could and should be a crucial and pivotal part" of fighting negative effects of marine environment degradation caused by climate change.

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