THE ROLE OF NON-STATE ACTORS IN MARITIME GOVERNANCE.

This policy brief analyses the role of non-State actors (NSAs) in maritime governance, starting from the recognition that the Ocean, by its extraterritorial and relational nature, challenges traditional models based exclusively on State sovereignty. The results show that although civil society organisations, epistemic communities, traditional populations, and private companies already perform relevant functions such as monitoring, certification, and advocacy, their role remains restricted to consultative positions, being excluded from binding decision-making processes, which generates tensions between efficiency, representativeness, and legitimacy. It is therefore recommended that the architecture of maritime governance be reformulated to effectively incorporate NSAs into international mechanisms, especially within legal and institutional frameworks, particularly those within the United Nations system, ensuring that their inclusion goes beyond symbolic participation and contributes to balancing efficiency and equity. It is concluded that building a more inclusive, equitable, and responsive ocean governance depends on a critical review of the notions of sovereignty, authority, and representation, so as to reflect not only the interests of States but also the diversity of actors who interact with the sea and take responsibility for its stewardship.