Equitable Benefit Sharing in the Exploitation of Common Heritage of Mankind Areas According to the Provisions of UNCLOS 1982: Current Situation, Challenges and Prospects

The Common Heritage of Mankind, referred to as "the Area" under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, constitutes a global asset collectively owned by humanity. It cannot be claimed, possessed, or owned by any state, organization, or individual. The exploration and exploitation of the Area’s resources must be conducted solely for the benefit of all humankind. The International Seabed Authority is tasked with administering the financial and economic benefits derived from these activities to ensure their equitable distribution. All activities within the Area must be carried out exclusively for peaceful purposes and in a manner that respects the equality of all countries, as prescribed by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, the actual practices of resource exploitation in the Area and the operations of the International Seabed Authority have exposed significant challenges in implementing the principle of equitable benefit sharing among nations. Smaller states, particularly those with limited scientific, technological, and financial resources, often face systemic disadvantages in accessing the benefits derived from the Area. Consequently, international legal reforms are imperative to ensure the fair and sustainable distribution of benefits derived from this global commons. This article will first examine the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other pertinent international laws regarding the legal status of the common heritage of mankind and the principle of equitable benefit sharing. It will then analyze the International Seabed Authority's role in implementing a fair benefit-sharing system. Additionally, the article will address the primary challenges faced in achieving equitable benefit sharing within the common heritage framework. Finally, it will propose recommendations to foster equitable and sustainable benefit-sharing among countries.