international seabed

The international seabed refers to the ocean floor beyond national jurisdictions, considered the "common heritage of humankind". This area is managed by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The ISA regulates mining and exploration activities in this region, ensuring that the benefits derived from its mineral resources are shared globally, particularly with developing countries. UNCLOS defines national maritime zones, including territorial waters extending 12 nautical miles from the coast and exclusive economic zones (EEZs) up to 200 nautical miles, where coastal states have resource exploitation rights. Beyond these zones lie the high seas and the international seabed, open to all nations but governed by international law to promote equitable use and environmental protection.1234