Tuvalu’s Fight to Preserve Maritime Boundaries Amid Rising Sea Levels
Tuvalu’s Fight to Preserve Maritime Boundaries Amid Rising Sea Levels
Sub: IR
Sec: Places in news
Why in News
On September 25, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly is set to hold a high-level meeting on sea-level rise. Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo will seek international support to preserve Tuvalu’s maritime boundaries and ensure its statehood remains intact, despite the threat posed by rising sea levels.
Tuvalu and the Threat of Rising Sea Levels
Tuvalu, a Pacific island nation of around 11,000 people, is composed of nine atolls. These low-lying islands are particularly vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels.
NASA Projections: By 2050, NASA scientists predict that half of Funafuti, Tuvalu’s main atoll, will be submerged by daily tides. This atoll is home to 60% of the nation’s population.
Water and Agriculture Crisis: Due to saltwater intrusion, groundwater has become unusable, leaving residents reliant on rainwater tanks and a central raised garden for growing vegetables.
| Aspects | Tuvalu |
| Location | An island country in the Polynesian subregion of Oceania in the Pacific Ocean. Situated about midway between Hawaii and Australia. The islands lie west of the International Date Line. |
| Physiography | Composed of three reef islands and six atolls. |
| Geography | Tuvalu is a volcanic archipelago. Consists of three reef islands: Nanumanga, Niutao, and Niulakita, and six atolls: Funafuti, Nanumea, Nui, Nukufetau, Nukulaelae, and Vaitupu. |
| Other Info | No rivers; rain catchment and wells provide the only fresh water. Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country in the world. |
Legal Battle for Maritime Boundaries and Statehood
Maritime Boundaries and Statehood: Tuvalu is seeking legal certainty about its maritime boundaries and statehood if the nation becomes submerged. A continued presence on some land is vital to ensure sovereignty.
Changing International Law:Tuvalu aims to amend the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to ensure its maritime boundaries remain intact, even if rising sea levels submerge its land.
UN’s International Law Commission Support:In July 2024, the International Law Commission supported a “strong presumption” that statehood would continue even if a nation’s land becomes partially or fully submerged.
International and Regional Support for Tuvalu
Pacific Islands Forum:Tuvalu’s regional neighbors, including the 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum, have declared that their maritime boundaries are fixed, regardless of sea-level changes.
Bilateral Support:Fifteen countries, including Asia and Europe, have signed bilateral communiques agreeing to recognize Tuvalu’s boundaries as permanent. However, major fishing nations in the Pacific, except for Taiwan and Fiji, have not signed, causing concerns over future challenges.
About Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
Formation: Established in 1971 as the South Pacific Forum, renamed to Pacific Islands Forum in 2000.
Membership: Comprises 18 member states in the Pacific region including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji.
Observer Status: Includes territories like American Samoa and global organizations such as the UN and the World Bank.
Objectives
Economic Growth: Aims to promote sustainable economic development among member states.
Political Governance: Enhances political stability and governance structures.
Regional Security: Focuses on strengthening security collaboration to address regional challenges.
Social Inclusion: Advocates for social inclusion and equitable development across the Pacific.