Natural Islands
Under Article 121 of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a natural island is defined as a "naturally formed area of land, surrounded by water, which is above water at high tide." This definition excludes artificial islands from generating territorial sea rights or other maritime zones. Key features of a natural island include:
Rocks
Rocks, as defined in Article 121(3) of UNCLOS, are naturally formed areas of land that cannot sustain human habitation or economic life independently. Unlike natural islands, rocks do not grant exclusive economic zones (EEZ) or continental shelf rights. For example, Okinotorishima, a Japanese rock, cannot claim an EEZ despite efforts to preserve its insular status.
Low-Tide Elevations
Low-tide elevations are naturally formed areas of land that are above water at low tide but submerged at high tide. Under UNCLOS, low-tide elevations can generate territorial seas if they are within the territorial sea limits of a mainland or island. However, converting a low-tide elevation into an island does not change its legal status; it remains a low-tide elevation.
Unlike natural islands, artificial islands are human-made structures created using natural or artificial materials. UNCLOS does not provide a formal definition, but various interpretations exist:
Based on these definitions, artificial islands are characterized by their non-natural origin, human construction, and permanent attachment to the seabed. They do not generate territorial seas but may have safety zones up to 500 meters.
Artificial islands serve a wide range of purposes, including:
For example, the UAE’s Palm Jumeirah and Japan’s Kansai International Airport are prominent examples of artificial islands used for urban and economic development.
Marine structures and installations are closely related to artificial islands but differ in their construction and purpose. Installations are typically used for resource exploitation, research, or military purposes, while structures refer to the physical foundations supporting these installations. Key distinctions include:
Installations: Often temporary or movable, used for specific tasks like oil drilling or scientific research.
Structures: Permanent or semi-permanent foundations, such as breakwaters or concrete platforms.
UNCLOS distinguishes between these terms, emphasizing their different legal statuses and purposes.
The lack of clear definitions in UNCLOS has led to legal ambiguities, particularly in disputed regions like the South China Sea. States have converted low-tide elevations and rocks into artificial islands, raising questions about their legal status and maritime entitlements. For instance, China’s construction of artificial structures on reefs in the Spratly Islands has sparked international disputes.
Future research must address these challenges by clarifying the legal status of marine units and their environmental impacts. As artificial islands and marine structures continue to proliferate, international law must adapt to ensure sustainable and equitable use of ocean resources.
Artificial islands and marine structures play a vital role in modern maritime activities, but their legal definitions and statuses remain unclear under UNCLOS. This article has provided a comprehensive analysis of the nature, types, and utilities of artificial islands, as well as their distinctions from natural islands, rocks, and low-tide elevations. By addressing these issues, this research aims to guide future legal frameworks and promote a clearer understanding of maritime law in the context of artificial islands and marine units.
As the demand for marine resources and space grows, the international community must work toward unified definitions and regulations to ensure the sustainable and peaceful use of the world’s oceans.
Source: Asia-pacific Journal of Law, Politics and Administration_ Author: Mohammad Ali Zohourian
The News 01/08/2025
Hinoki wood (Japanese cypress – Chamaecyparis obtusa) is a precious type of wood native to Japan, known for its light color, fine grain, and pleasant natural aroma. Thanks to its antibacterial, moisture-resistant, and heat-resistant properties, Hinoki has long been used in traditional architecture, such as temples, onsen bathtubs, and especially saunas. With its calming fragrance and exceptional durability, Hinoki is increasingly favored in modern bathroom design, offering a luxurious and serene experience for users.
The News 22/07/2025
In the context of rapid urbanization, localized flooding and water pollution are becoming increasingly severe, particularly due to stormwater runoff on impermeable surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. Permeable pavers have emerged as an advanced, environmentally friendly construction material designed to reduce stormwater runoff and filter pollutants at the source. Not only do these pavers allow for rapid water drainage, but they also act as a primary filter that traps dust, heavy metals, and vehicle-related contaminants, thus improving urban environmental quality. This material is a part of the new wave of sustainable construction trends, widely adopted in developed countries but still relatively new in Vietnam.
The News 11/07/2025
In the era of digital technology and the explosive growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), architecture is no longer merely the art of construction—it has evolved into an intelligent ecosystem, where buildings can sense, analyze, and respond to their environment. One of the most advanced solutions driving breakthroughs in modern construction is the sensor-embedded brick with integrated circuits. This is no longer a passive traditional building material, but rather a “sensing brick,” equipped with internal sensors and processing microchips capable of measuring temperature, humidity, vibration, and impact forces, and wirelessly transmitting data in real-time. The application of this technology in construction not only enhances the ability to monitor structural safety but also unlocks the potential for smart, sustainable, and energy-efficient buildings. This topic aims to clarify the role of integrating sensors and microchips into building bricks, the manufacturing process, and notable practical applications.
The News 03/07/2025
The rapid growth of the construction industry has significantly contributed to global resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, the search for environmentally friendly alternative materials has become a critical necessity. One promising direction is the use of mycelium bio bricks, a type of bio composite material that can self grow and bind organic substrates.
The News 30/06/2025
3D concrete tiles are a modern type of building and decorative material, made from concrete or geopolymer, with a raised three-dimensional surface featuring geometric, natural, or artistic patterns. Thanks to their strong visual effects, 3D concrete tiles not only provide high aesthetic value but also help improve sound insulation, thermal resistance, and waterproofing. With advantages in durability, ease of construction, and environmental friendliness, especially when combined with recycled materials such as ground brick waste, 3D concrete tiles are becoming an ideal material solution for both interior and exterior modern spaces.
The News 25/06/2025
Amid rapid urbanization and rising aesthetic demands in modern construction, smart and sustainable materials are gradually replacing traditional solutions. Among them, luminescent concrete has emerged as an innovative trend that combines lighting functionality with the mechanical durability of conventional concrete. Not only does it offer a distinctive visual appeal, but it also enhances safety, conserves energy, and improves spatial efficiency in low-light environments. With vast potential for applications in transportation infrastructure, landscape architecture, and smart urban design, this material is paving the way for new directions in the construction industry during the era of green technology.
Members