ABSTRACT
Introduction In the preamble to the 1982 LOS Convention,1 its parties express their concern that “the problems of ocean space are closely inter-related and need to be considered as a whole” and recognize the desirability of establishing through the Convention “a legal order” for the seas and oceans which will, in ter a lia , “promote the equitable and efficient utilization of their resources, the conservation of their living resources, and the study, protection and preserva tion of the marine environment”. It also notes the need to take into account the interests o f mankind as a whole, in particular those of developing countries. Without being formulated as such, this represents one of the earliest approaches to “sustainable development”. It was subsequently defined in 1987 by the World Commission on Environment and Development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.2
