Consider qualifying natural islands under UNCLOS, excluding rocks covered by Article 121(3), and allow for applicable maritime-boundary delimitation. Assertion (A): Such islands can extend a state’s maritime resource rights beyond the island’s land area. Reason (R): Under Article 121(2), qualifying islands can generate an exclusive economic zone; within that zone the coastal state has sovereign rights over natural-resource exploration and exploitation under Article 56. Choose the most appropriate answer.
Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Both A and R are true, and R explains A. A qualifying island’s EEZ can provide natural-resource rights in surrounding waters and seabed, subject to UNCLOS and delimitation. This explains the potential extension beyond its land area. EEZ resource rights are not full sovereignty over the sea, and island status alone does not guarantee geopolitical power.
Important Questions from Miscellaneous
Which event is marked as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO?
Who has been conferred with the rank of the Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2018?
Who directead the film ‘Bhuvan Shome’?
The book “In my mother’s house” is written by _______
In which state is Vishwa Mitra Ka Tila situated?
