KMI Hosts 13th Global Ocean Regime Conference, Gathering International Scholars

"The Proactive Role of Maritime Law Is Essential in the Era of Climate Crisis"

The Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), led by President Cho Jeonghee, held the 13th Global Ocean Regime Conference in collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, headed by Minister Chun Jaesoo.

The event took place from November 3 to 4 at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul, under the theme "Law of the Sea and Blue Economy in the Era of Climate Crisis: New Challenges."

The Korea Maritime Institute, in collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, is holding the 13th Global Ocean Regime Conference and taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Korea Maritime Institute

The conference brought together prominent domestic and international scholars, including Lisbeth Lijnzaad, Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea; Alexander Proelss, Professor at the University of Hamburg; Donald R. Rothwell, Professor at the Australian National University; Baek Jin-Hyun, Judge of the Arbitral Tribunal; Lee Ja-Hyung, Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea; and Lee Keun-Gwan, Member of the United Nations International Law Commission, who engaged in in-depth discussions.

Government and academic officials, as well as trainees from the Yeosu Academy of the Law of the Sea representing more than 20 countries, also participated, demonstrating strong interest in climate crisis response and the advancement of the law of the sea.

Participants agreed that international maritime law has recently shown an active process of evolution to address the climate crisis. In particular, they highlighted as major developments the cases in which international courts have recognized greenhouse gas emissions as marine pollution, and the adoption of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement governing marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Furthermore, the need for continuous improvement of international norms and the strengthening of enforcement to mitigate and respond to the impacts of climate change was raised.

In his closing remarks, KMI President Cho Jeonghee stated, "This was a meaningful occasion that reaffirmed the essential proactive role of maritime law in an era where the climate crisis threatens the marine environment and its sustainable use," adding, "Based on the outcomes of these discussions, KMI will pursue integrated research on maritime law and policy and strengthen international cooperation."

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