Mar presencial

Cl-triconti-en

Mar Presencial refers to a concept in international law and geopolitics concerning the area of the ocean that a country claims to have a special interest in monitoring and protecting for reasons of national security, environmental protection, and resource management. This concept extends beyond the traditional territorial waters, which are limited to 12 nautical miles from a country's coastline, to include a broader expanse of the sea that is deemed to be of strategic importance to the country.

Definition and Scope

The term "Mar Presencial" is not universally defined in international law, but it generally encompasses areas of the sea that a country actively monitors and patrols, which can include both the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)—extending up to 200 nautical miles from the coast—and potentially areas beyond. The concept emphasizes a nation's commitment to safeguarding maritime routes, protecting marine resources, and ensuring environmental stewardship within this zone.

Legal Framework

While the concept of Mar Presencial is not explicitly recognized in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), it operates within the framework established by UNCLOS for maritime zones and rights. Countries may assert their presence in their claimed Mar Presencial areas through surveillance, naval patrols, and environmental monitoring activities, provided these actions are in accordance with international law, particularly respecting the freedom of navigation rights of other states.

Strategic Importance

The strategic importance of Mar Presencial lies in its role in national security, economic interests, and environmental protection. By asserting a presence in these areas, countries aim to deter illegal activities such as piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling; protect vulnerable marine ecosystems; and secure maritime resources, including fish stocks and potential undersea mineral deposits.

Challenges and Controversies

The concept of Mar Presencial can lead to tensions and disputes with neighboring countries, especially where claims overlap or where the extent of a country's interest in a given maritime area is viewed as excessive or unjustified by others. Such disputes often require diplomatic negotiation and, in some cases, adjudication by international courts or arbitration panels to resolve.

Examples

Countries with extensive coastlines or strategic maritime interests, such as Chile and Australia, have been associated with the concept of Mar Presencial, using it to justify and frame their maritime surveillance and protection activities. These countries argue that such measures are necessary for the protection of their maritime interests and the sustainable management of ocean resources.

Conclusion

Mar Presencial represents a modern approach to maritime strategy that goes beyond traditional territorial claims, reflecting the growing importance of the oceans in global security, economy, and environmental sustainability. As the world's oceans become increasingly contested and utilized spaces, the concept of Mar Presencial is likely to gain further relevance and prompt ongoing international dialogue and cooperation.