Rainbow, um exemplo mundial: a primeira área marinha protegida nacional em perspectiva sob águas do alto mar

• Type: Article in National Scientific Journal
• Date: 2007

Authors

Ribeiro, Marta Chantal (Author) FDUP

Journal

Title: Revista do CEDOUA

Vol. 20 No. 2

Pages: 47-86

Scientific classification

FOS: Social sciences > Law

Other information

Resumo (PT): A descoberta do ecossistema fervilhante do campo hidrotermal Rainbow numa zona da plataforma continental portuguesa situada além das 200MN abriu a possibilidade do nosso país figurar com nova presença indelével na história da odisseia marítima, desta feita por um novo gene que introduz na compreensão do Direito do mar. A proposta de ali ser designada, no âmbito da Convenção OSPAR, a primeira área marinha protegida nacional sob águas com o estatuto de alto mar e a subsequente aceitação fazem de Portugal um exemplo pioneiro no panorama internacional da protecção da biodiversidade marinha. Pelo enquadramento sui generis da área marinha protegida, mas também pela designação ter sido aceite numa fase em que não está ainda concluído o processo de definição dos limites exteriores da plataforma continental. A sensibilização para as novas perspectivas jurídicas que o facto desperta é o desafio que move o presente estudo.

Abstract (EN): The discovery of the fascinating ecosystem of the hydrothermal vent field Rainbow in an area of the Portuguese continental shelf beyond 200 NM opened the possibility for our country to leave, once again, a remarkable mark in the maritime odyssey history, this time due to a new gene for the understanding of the Law of the Sea. In 2006 Portugal proposed, under the framework of Annex V of OSPAR Convention, the designation at the Rainbow field of the first national marine protected area under waters with high seas status. The subsequent acceptance of the proposal within OSPAR turned Portugal into a pioneer example in the international scene of marine biodiversity protection. First, because the marine protected area is located in a zone of the continental shelf beyond 200 NM. Second, because the designation was accepted in a stage during which the process for the definition of the outer limits of the continental shelf was not concluded. Third, and consequently, because of the recognition of the Portuguese jurisdiction over the Rainbow field. The claim made by Portugal an the recognition of its jurisdiction are in accordance with the articulated interpretation of article 77.º, n.º 3, with articles 192.º, 193.º, and 194.º, n.º 5, of UNCLOS. The challenge of this study is to sensitise for the new juridical perspectives opened with the creation of a maritime protected area at the Rainbow field. In the first chapter we describe the Rainbow ecosystem (235 NM / 2270-2320 meters deep). In the second chapter we refer the controversies concerning the interpretation of the regime foreseen in UNCLOS, defending the strengthening of jurisdiction of coastal State on environmental issues. We then develop the claiming process and acceptance of Portuguese jurisdiction over the Rainbow field within OSPAR. The third chapter is dedicated to the evolution of the fundamental Portuguese legislation related to marine protected areas. Here, we analyse the impact that the protection of offshore ecosystems, such as Rainbow, will have on the modification of current juridical solutions. Due to its prospective feature, the autonomy granted to the marine environment and the novelty and adequateness of the solutions, we emphasize the recent legislative initiative of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, materialized on Regional Legislative Decree n.º 15/2007/A. Finally, in the fourth chapter we reflect about the establishment of the specific protective regime of the Rainbow marine protected area and the powers of the coastal State. The immediate problem concerns the limitations to the power of the coastal State to restrain unilaterally the rights of third States (freedoms of the high seas). The Rainbow ecosystem is not specifically affected either by navigation or by fishing, in the way these activities are currently developed. The human activities susceptible of causing damage are mainly scientific research, ecotourism in a submersible and bioprospecting. The subsequently problem is the enforcement of the adopted measures. In both cases we interpret UNCLOS in the sense of strengthening the jurisdiction of costal State. We conclude that biodiversity protection through marine protected areas compels the reinterpretation of the meaning of «freedom of the high seas».

Language: Portuguese

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific