Published Paper Details:

Ocean governance has become increasingly significant in the contemporary world due to growing pressures on marine ecosystems and the expanding utilization of ocean resources. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 represents the most comprehensive international legal framework governing maritime activities and the management of ocean resources. This paper examines the development, structure, and significance of UNCLOS in shaping modern ocean governance. It analyses the historical evolution of the Convention, its principal provisions, and its role in regulating maritime boundaries, resource exploitation, environmental protection, and dispute settlement. The study also highlights contemporary challenges such as maritime conflicts, illegal fishing, climate change, and deep-sea mining, which test the effectiveness of the UNCLOS framework. By evaluating these issues, the paper underscores the continuing relevance of UNCLOS as a foundational instrument for promoting international cooperation, sustainable marine resource management, and peaceful use of the oceans.