Undersea freshwater reserves

Source: The post undersea freshwater reserves has been created, based on the article “Freshwater quest, the likely new gold hunt” published in “The Hindu” on 11th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1-geography-Distribution of key natural resources across the world

Context: The article discusses the discovery of fresh water beneath the ocean and how countries might start exploring and using this resource. It mentions international laws that govern the seas and how these might apply to fresh water. The focus is on future conflicts over water and the need for laws to manage these resources.

What are undersea freshwater reserves?

Undersea freshwater reserves are large volumes of fresh water found beneath the ocean floor.

In the 1960s, the U.S. Geological Survey discovered freshwater while drilling off the New Jersey coast.

Similar discoveries have been made by scientists in Vietnam and other countries.

An example includes a flowing freshwater river discovered at the bottom of the Black Sea, which is over 100 feet deep and has a flow rate of four miles per hour.

These reserves are significant given that only 2.5% of Earth’s 1.386 billion km³ water volume is freshwater, with 97.5% being saltwater and only 2.5% freshwater. Most freshwater (about 99.7%) is in ice or underground, including under the ocean.

How do international laws address ocean resources?

UNCLOS Framework: The United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS) of 1982 governs ocean resources, outlining rights and responsibilities for managing the ocean and its resources within and beyond national borders.

For detailed information on UNCLOS read this article here

Resource Definition and Control: Under UNCLOS, “resources” include all solid, liquid, or gaseous minerals on the seabed, regulated by the International Seabed Authority. This raises questions about whether freshwater qualifies under this definition.

Exclusive Economic Zones and the “Area”: UNCLOS establishes Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) up to 200 nautical miles from the coast, where a state has special rights over marine resources. Beyond this, the “Area” is considered common heritage, governed collectively for sustainable use.

Geneva Conventions: Before UNCLOS, the 1958 Geneva Conventions also addressed ocean law but are less comprehensive.

What challenges exist in exploring and using these resources?

Legal Ambiguities: The definition of “resources” under UNCLOS mainly includes minerals, not clearly covering freshwater. This raises questions about the legality of exploiting underwater freshwater sources.

Governance Issues: Activities in the “Area” beyond national jurisdictions are governed by UNCLOS and the International Seabed Authority, but there is no specific regulation for freshwater, leading to potential governance gaps.

Why is freshwater exploration important for the future?

Scarcity of Freshwater: The article notes that only 0.3% of Earth’s freshwater is available in liquid form on the surface, making underground and underwater sources critical to meet future needs.

Avoiding Conflicts: With freshwater becoming an increasingly scarce commodity, exploring and securing underwater sources can help prevent future conflicts over water resources.

Sustainable Development: Properly managed freshwater exploration aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, promoting the responsible use of natural resources for future generations.

Question for practice:

Discuss the legal and governance challenges surrounding the exploration and use of undersea freshwater reserves.